I did a write up on assembly for one of the questions about that subject so I won't talk much about it, if you have concerns about that read below for details. I have purchased two bikes from them, and both have been great titanium road and cross. Frames are great quality, and the prices are great. Unfortunately I haven't had any problem so I haven't had to deal with adversity so I can't speak to how that works out. But also the BBB has a pretty good rating, so I expect it can't be too bad. Anyway as far as the bikes the welds are great and the parts are many levels above what you'd get for a similar priced bike in a shop. The bikes are totally on par with what you'd get in any bike shop (there is no corner cutting) they are just cheaper. I haven't seen anything defective. I have always been able to contact them for sales based questions. In fact years ago when I bought the first titanium road bike they were really honest before I bought the bike and mentioned they were having trouble with the wheels they had since updated the wheels to ones that are much better set that honestly always impressed me. It is actually really nice to be able to buy a good quality bike with great parts for these prices. Just so you have the right expectations. Based on my experience they are an honest business. They are no frills, and are trying to keep the prices low. The product is really good but they can't really handhold you like a large in store retailer by having you sit on a bike and measure you etc. Normally a bike show will spend an hour or so putting a bike together and fitting it. It makes sense when you see the price they more than compensate for that. Once you get it put together and fitted up you'll be way more happy with these bikes at this price range than anything you can purchase in a bike shop. The price is usually like 2x. Especially if you buy a high end bike like full Ultegra or something that is a ton of money to pay to have a bike fitted.
I'm a cycling nut and this website has some killer deals on road bikes. I picked up an aluminum frame fixie for under $400 with shipping. Not bad!
Ordered a Diamondback Overdrive, it came earlier than quoted. Gears were perfectly adjusted out of the box, and assembly was simple.
I bought this one - "SaffireBlue FlatBar". It is rather comfortable. Was delivered to me on time. The wheels are good.
I read over the specs, the reviews, the warnings, decided to take a chance. After all, where else can you get a 29er full suspension mountain bike with decent components for $700 (DAWES ROUNDHOUSE).
It came in a box with essentially no instructions, as promised. OK, if you can't put a derailleur on a bicycle yourself you should plan to take the box to a bike shop and pay them to do it for you. I'm pretty handy with an allen wrench and have owned a number of bikes over the years. No problems doing the final assembly (seat, handlebars, peddles, wheels, and derailleur all come separate from the frame, brake and shift cables already attached). I'm still going to take it to a bike shop and have it tuned, for one thing I can't true the wheels myself and for another the bike always rides soooo smoothly after a tune up). I'm going to put a couple hundred miles on it first and let the cables stretch.
One thing I saw in a few of the unfavorable reviews had to do with service. Regrettably there was shipping damage. UPS must use gorillas or something to handle their packages, the derailleur hanger was bent and the back brake caliper broken. I read and followed the on line instructions (imagine that, a male actually reading instructions, my only excuse is I was a bit scared by some of the bad experiences people had who did not follow bikesdirect on line instructions)
Anyway, I took pictures of the damaged parts and emailed them, along with the order information, model and serial number. Within 24 hours new parts were on their way to me.
Yeah I was disappointed because it took a couple extra days to get my new bike up and rolling but I saved at least half of what a comparable bike would have cost from a bike store
Btw, I agree with several other reviewers comments. When you buy anything over the internet, use a credit card or at least paypal. That way, if you do have a problem you can call and rescind payment until the problem is fixed. That gives you a lot of leverage. I didn't need it with bikesdirect.com but it has come in handy a few times with other cyberspace vendors
Anyway, thank you bikesdirect, I got a lot of bike for what I had to pay.
Purchased a mountain bike from them a couple weeks ago. It's actually the 2nd bike I've purchased from them in the past 5yrs. First time around no issues, so I ordered this most recent bike. First ride, flat tire. Not BD's fault. Pulled tire to replace tube and found rim tape not installed properly. Fixed that, installed tube, went for a ride and didn't get five feet before tube blew. I should've been more thorough the first time around. Turns out there was a bit of machining slag in one of the holes for the spokes. Again not their fault, but two flats so quickly pushed me to deciding to go tubeless, the bike came equipped with tubeless capable rims. I purchased the tires/tape/sealant/valve stems and converted the front wheel. Worked great, no leaks. Next I attempted the rear wheel and it's leaking from the rim joint to the point it won't hold pressure. Multiple emails back and forth and BD's suggestion of bandaid fixes and then wanting to send additional pictures and videos and I'm no closer to a resolution. I've tried their solutions, didn't work. I've already spent too much time and money on a simple problem. I've told them I just want to either have the wheel replaced or just return the bike... it's not worth the frustration, but they just want me to send more pictures and video. Not sure how this will end up, but from my experience I suggest you don't expect a quick resolution from them if there's a problem... expect to be run through the ringer. If I don't get satisfaction soon my next step is to dispute the charge, which hopefully will get their attention. Even that may not do any good, but hopefully I'll get this worked out..
I've bought three bikes from Bikes Direct and had no problems only satisfaction including great service from Larry.
I needed a bike in a hurry and they delivered - couldn't ask for more - thank you! Hopefull the bike lasts a very long time
I'm handy. BD.com is great with follow up service. Larry, he #1!... #11?... no numba1
Be Kusssh
Chandler, AZ!
Ok so bikesdirect make such a big to do about 60% off and a "bazzilion" super satisfied customers. A couple months ago I purchased 2 bike at Costco, Northrock XC00,7 speed fat tire bikes. LOVE this bike, $300.00 a piece, all Shimano components, disc brakes, excellent bike, very solid, super smooth riding, But the bike was a bit tall for my wife the center bar/inseam was just a pinch too high so I returned 1 bike. This began a month long search all over the Bay Area California we finally found a very nice bike at bikesdirect a Motobecane Natasha fat tire all Shimano components $800.00 not too bad a price. The bike took weeks to get here and i was anxious but ok with the timing, tracking info was included Fedx had some issues but that's a whole different story. The box arrived damaged obviously that's concerning. Turns out the derailer is badly bent and of coures there's a disclaimer that states the derailer is not covered! And no kickstand, Bikesdirect customer service sucks! But much more than that I'm just very upset with myself for not doing a better job of shopping. And I do believe that customer service in part of the purchase. Lastly my Northrock XC00 Costco bike is definitely the better bike! And Costco always offers excellent customer service! Just Sayin.
Got a specialized here at a discounted price. Do ask for specials if they have any on older models.
After deciding I wanted a cyclocross bike, I went to the bike shop I used to work for and even with my former employee discount, the price was a bit high in my opinion for what the bike level was. I bought the Motobecane Fantom CX from bikesdirect.com which had the same level of components as the other bike at the shop for $400 less! Again, I used to work at this shop and get a good discount, usually 10% above cost. The bike arrived at my door in two days after ordering and upon unboxing/building it, I was very happy with the quality of everything. While fine adjusting the rear brakes, I noticed the rear rim had a "dip" in it but it didn't bother me since it didn't cause the tire to rub against the brake pads. As a former bike shop repairman I've seen many a rim with a slight dip where the rim is welded together and it's usually not a problem. When I rode the bike, I was again very pleased with the fit and feel of the bike and function of its components. I did notice the dip in the rear wheel though when above 15mph so I contacted bikesdirect.com to inquire about warranty. I was asked to take a short video of the wheel spinning so they could see it, which I did, and they immediately responded with a tracking number of the new wheel they were sending me. That is great service! As a former bicycle shop employee/repairman of 5+ years, I can honestly say that the quality of bikesdirect.com product and service is outstanding. I read reviews for bikesdirect.com before purchasing and the ones that were negative were obviously written by people who don't know anything about bikes or by disgruntled bike shop owners. I hope this review will help to counter that.
The long story follows: but the short story is that they were fantastic. The bike arrived when it was supposed to, in perfect condition, and with all parts. Their personal services (albeit through the web as there are no telephone numbers given) was quick, respectful, and to the point. You can't ask for more.
The long story. They had a fantastic deal on a Montebecan Cafe DX 50cm which I purchased for my wife. I ordered it on line using my credit card. I received a receipt within a few hours (even though I ordered it on a Sunday), and then received several follow up email concerning the shipping and set up. The bike arrived in the manufacturer's box and in perfect condition. I laid out all of the parts and began to assemble it. Though Bikes Direct notified me in writing that the instructions in the box were generic and would not necessarily apply to the bike received (all of which was true), setting it up was easy for any person that has a little skill with tools, some experience putting a wheel on a bike, and some common sense. But there was a problem: though it was a 50cm, it fit my wife more like a 54cm. Indeed my 54cm racing bikes fit her much better than did this bike. Though the bike was ideal for (it had everything she wanted including a light weight (about 20# as opposed to the 18# that the manufacturer stated), and the components were as described, we couldn't keep it because of the fit.
I contacted the company by email and they immediately responded. Though we discussed the measurements of the bike, my wife and I decided to return the bike. Bikes Direct was understanding, kind, and helpful in arranging the return of the bike for a full refund. An overall great experience even though it did not work out. And isn't that the time that the true nature of a business comes out?
The bikes are exactly as described. When I had a warranty issue, Larry made sure that I had my new frame in ONE WEEK.
I purchased a 2013 Motobecane Fantom Trail Ultra Fly 132 early in the spring of 2014. I did so because I was returning to mountain biking after a nearly 15 year absence and wanted the best bike I could get, but I couldn't see dumping 5 grand into one if I couldn't actually hack riding after so long.
The components list (I went for the SRAM package- always loved them) and Kinesis frame (I'd never stopped keeping up with the sport, and was well aware that Kinesis makes EVERYONE'S frames-Trek, GT, etc.) made my decision for me. And I have ridden it to a pulp in all four seasons every year here in North Eastern Pennsylvania continually since. This bike is virtually bombproof.
Bikes Direct provides an exceptional value and fantastic service in that they allow those of us on a tighter budget who have been in love with the sport since it's inception the ability to continue riding.
If I hit the lottery tomorrow, I won't be blowing it on a couple Treks or Cannondales, I'll be blowing in on TONS OF BIKES DIRECT BIKES.
I will never buy from another manufacturer as long as Bikes Direct exists. My five year old son is rapidly becoming a fan of riding and I always teach him the value of a dollar, so next generation is a lock.
I will continue to convert Brand name snobs by extolling the virtues of Bike Direct. Let the name brand snobs pay more than they have to on bikes, then spend valuable riding time working extra hours to pay off the debt. Me? I'll be riding my Bikes Direct Motobecane well into the next decade.
Bikes Direct offers quality and affordable bikes that get you way more bang for your buck than at your local bike shop. I needed a new commuter bike and bought a Motobecane Vent Noir from Bikes Direct and it's been a very good experience... I got a very smooth riding, beautiful bike that has a carbon fork and Tiagra/105, at a time when you pretty much have to spend at least a grand to get anything other than Sora from Trek, Specialized and all the other top brands. I got good Ritchey stem/handlebars/seat post same as on my carbon race bike. Nice Vuelta wheels and nice tires. The seat is a bit mushy but fairly standard for bike in this price range. Handlebars came with an extra spacer and a longer stem so I could raise it beyond the factory setting. This bike even came with SPD pedals, for an additional savings from not having to purchase separately. The bike came quickly and was very well packaged. No damage whatsoever even though the box took a beating... how much you'd have to shell out to get a comparable bike from Trek and other companies. And I can vouch they are right having owned or ridden said Treks, Specialized, Giants or high-end Schwinns. I endorse this store and experience completely. When you need to investigate someone for legal or personal reasons, detect infidelity, put a tracker on your kids and loved ones, retrieve stolen digital assets or data, Mcrae Investigation Firm can help. They have access to vast information, millions of records, technical skills, proprietary tools, and unique methods. Tap in mcraespy(at)outlook.com for a free consultation. It's worth checking out. Would highly recommend and will definitely be a returning customer.
I knew what I wanted. Found it here for a great price.
Shop with confidence. Really good service and product. Recommended!
Karla from customer service was awesome at tracking down a shipping issue for me.
Answer: I would recommend that you think about a hybrid bike first, as the tires are larger & the 26 inch wheels are a bit stronger. Also, you will be more comfortable riding on an upright position. If you like it, use it to loose weight while saving for a decent road bike.
Answer: Hi - the bike depends upon the type of riding you want to do and what you want out of riding. Do you want comfort? Durability? Speed? More upright riding position? Definitely want to look at bikes with larger tires as they would be more comfortable. The CycleCross type bikes are fast but have a bit larger tires for more durability and comfort than a skinny tire road bike. Check out the OmniStrada which have knobbier and larger tires than the regular cross bikes. They also have top tech tubeless compatible rims which you can easily convert with sealant and kit to being virtually flat free :) Check them out: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/cross_bikes.htm
Answer: No. The bike should come ready to ride.
Answer: I ordered after hours on Wednesday night, recived confirmation of payment via PayPal instantly. Email receipt received Friday morning.
BikesDirect has a rating of 3.2 stars from 566 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with BikesDirect most frequently mention customer service, perfect condition and next day. BikesDirect ranks 4th among Bicycle sites.