david58

I got two of the 2011 BMCs, one for me and one for my wife. I have de-raced mine a bit with compact bars, higher spoke count wheels, and a bit different stem, but it is a very nice bike for my needs. Competitive Cyclist has a no-questions-asked return policy, almost unheard-of. The bikes are tuned before assembly and shipment, ready to ride when you reassemble them. Just needed a fit and I was good to go.

They often will reduce or comp the shipping if you ask, or at least that was happening on the BMC deal last year.

spare_wheel

Unless you are buying a custom bike for $4-20,000 bikedirect frames are made in the same asian factories that mainstream frames are made in. And, IMO, bikesdirect is really no worse than trek, specialized, or cannondale when it comes to low-balling wheels, hubs, stem, and post while high-lighting the snazzy shimano/sram dt.

CliftonGK1

It depends on which of their offerings you're looking at as to why it might not be impressive.
I almost bought a Motobecane LeChamp CF frameset, and the only reason I didn't was because a shop buddy made me a better offer on another brand through his dealer connections. But after quick consideration of some budget minded MTB options (BikesDirect and Airborne's Marauder) it was pointed out that the suspension type is nothing near what you get from a higher cost bike. Single pivot vs. quad-link suspension, quality of forks, etc. Sure, they were comparable in drivetrain and other components, but that suspension difference is a big deal in the design and quality.

steve-in-kville 

Thanks for all the replies and the links. I am a bit unsure what I want to do. I will be ordering/buying something the beginning of February. I started printing out the various specs and comparing bikes.

We are forunate to have a few good shops in our area. There is one or two shops that have a reputation for shoddy workmanship and pushy sales.

buffalowings

I asked competitivecyclist about this bike a while back, for anyone who is interested, it is equipped with the older 9 speed tiagra before it was upgraded to 10 speeds.

TiHabanero

Initially you listed 105 for parts. Stick with that level of equipment as it will go the distance, whereas Tiagra will not. The Cdale and Giant frames are excellent. Pick the one that fits, then decide if it has the right mix of parts. Always choose fit over parts, always, always, always.

steve-in-kville 

Great advice! I already am riding bikes with watered-down Shimano parts. They have done the job over the years. But why have "almost as good as 105" when I should just get Shimano 105 and be done with it?

What is SRAM's equal to the 105 components?

TiHabanero

Good question. SRAM Apex certainly is not equal in quality or durability to the 105. I would venture Rival at the least and more likely Force, although it would seem to be a bridge between 105 and Ultegra. Shimano has been doing brifters for so long they have them squared away for durability as long as you stick to 105 or better. SRAM has yet to be proven. I do have SRAM on my mountain bike and it is perfect in every way thus far.

waynesworld

I have the 2011 version of this as well, and 10 Wheels is correct. It is also incredibly stable at any speed. I like the 2012 black ones better.

Cyril 

I'm partial to the Soma Smoothie.

steve-in-kville 

Since the smaller frame sizes are so hard to come by, I just may have to mail order.

I have narrowed it down to a few aluminum/steel framed bikes with carbon forks. Most are from BD. I have about a month before I can order anything so I have some time yet.

Thanks again for all the helpful replies!

acidfast7

https://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/bike...o-105-20-gang/