StanSeven

There are a couple studies posted on the road forum that show there's very little difference between male and female body dimensions. Sure there are lots of females with short torso and long legs but there's an equal percentage of males the same. They are interesting to read.

meanwhile

This is the sort of "common sense" argument that isn't: the price that BD will pay for group sets has very little to do with what a consumer pays. The feedback on BD's ti frames has been excellent.

Mr.IDontKnow

How much does one set of SRAM Rival and Shimano Ultegra 6700 cost?

flargle

Geez, if only there were a way to find out.

UnsafeAlpine

The major brands sell aluminum bikes for the same price BD is selling a ti bike. Do you think BD is able to get a better deal on components than Specialized? Obviously, the cost reduction is in the frame.

will be was

Andy_K 

Cost to produce a product is only secondarily related to price. Price is determined by what people are willing to pay for a product. The only way that cost comes into it is that if a competitor can produce the same product cheaper they can offer it at a lower price. Brands like Specialized believe that their name and reputation is part of the product they are offering, so they don't worry about someone like Bikes Direct underselling them, and the marketplace proves them right for the most part.

Trek (for example) can't undersell Specialized in this way because Trek and Specialized have the same business model that involves marketing costs, race sponsorship, research, etc. But Bikes Direct has a different business model and so they can copy a 5 year old frame design and sell it directly with a minimal marketing budget. Their price reflects what they've determined customers are willing to pay for a mail order off brand bike. It doesn't really tell you anything about their cost except that their cost is less than they're selling the bike for. If Specialized sold directly to customers and got by on one column ads in the back of Bicycling Magazine, they could make money selling their bikes for half what they do now, but they'd make less money than they do now.

Mr.IDontKnow

Did you buy your bike from BD?

will be was

RaleighSport

Will, it came all perfect and ready to go?

hockey

I just rec'd my Motobecane Le Champion Rival. Arrived safe and sound, 20 minutes to put it together and tune her up and way I went. Really pleased with the price and the online and telephone support. Just be sure you know your size, accurately measure your standover and reach and away you go. My 56 Moto fits as well as my 56 Trek 5200. If you have a good LBS use him, if not and you can do minimal wrenching go for BD.
Hockey

will be was

As you can see from the pictures, it came fine. You'll need front brake adjustment tough.

Mr.IDontKnow

So after it arrived, all you have to do is
-seat post
-saddle
-handle bar
-wheel
-brakes

Both wheels are detachable right? because I see latches.

david58

Be careful - in the case of my BD bike, the frame was not true and the LBS had to do some cold forming (bending). In my case, it came with a broken shifter. The took the bike back (at the time, I didn't want to be dealing long distance with Customer Service), covered return shipping and issued a full refund. I purchased a bike from Performance (one of their stores) shortly thereafter. Last month, I purchased another bike online, a BMC from Competitive Cyclist. The difference from BD is that CC actually does a shop build and test ride of the bike before shipment - they just pack it for shipping after the build.

Funny, the CC bike came with the hubs set up too tight, which I learned last week in my novice bike mechanic-ing class. So, it doesn't really matter - if the bike is coming in a box, you may have stuff to do after you get it, probably most with BD. Knowing what I know now, I may purchase from BD again, wanting a dedicated commuter bike.

will be was

Bike comes in the box

You open the box,

Take it out gingerly....

Take out the protective packaging and assemble the front wheel handle bar adjust front brake...

Attach a bike computer..

And ride all day long...

EdgewaterDude

Sounds pretty easy. I agree that there are trade-offs for either method of purchase.

For instance, I got my 2011 Trek for 20% off. In addition to not paying MSRP (does anyone actually pay this??) I also get free bi-monthly tune-ups (which is really just a clean, lube and adjust, I suppose) and free flat fixes for the next year as well. For *me*, I saw value in the services they will render. If you do you your own wrenching, that would mean nothing to you. And, my LBS gave me a smoking deal on some Mission Workshop Garments.

Mr.IDontKnow

Thanks for the step by step directions. Is the lever brakes responsive enough?

Bekologist

.....that's not the thorough and proper assembly steps of a factory boxed bike.

rhammons

I've now received to botched deliveries from BD, and they weren't due to shipping.

RaleighSport

LoL it is if you get super lucky.

Mr.IDontKnow

What is "super unlucky"?
Missing parts?

RaleighSport

Try your bike is actually damaged 2-3 times in a row on shipping

Mr.IDontKnow

Hmm, shipping back and forth is on them right?

RaleighSport

from everything I've seen yup.

Mr.IDontKnow

The thing is.....I live in CANADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA