from this point, it might get ugly

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Waterford will make you a custom bike fairly quickly, and they can build fender clearance and make other fit adjustments. They are GOOD bikes, and I have been reading some recent reports from very happy customers about their attentiveness to getting your bike exactly the way you want it.
Rivendells ALWAYS have fat tire/fender clearance. But their customs have a 2 year wait list. But they do have stock bikes for various uses, including road, touring, and cyclocross. My Rambouillet is their road/litetouring model. Their Bleriot is a less expensive version of the Rambouillet. Veronica has a beautiful red Legolas cyclocross bike from them.

[mimitabby]

I'm going to pay a 10% restocking fee instead of a 25% one.
and he'll refund everything else.
Buyer beware.

I'll let you know when the charges show up paid back.
It's so good to have friends, thanks all.

[Bruno28]

Mimi - sorry you had such a bad experience after waiting so long.

The restocking fee sounds like a rip off but maybe you just want to walk away from the thing rather than have a fight with the guy.

[mimitabby]

Bruno,
you are exactly right. I know he can be nasty, I want to avoid all of that!

[Kathi]

Have you thought of reporting him to the Better Business Bureau? If he's a member and you threaten to report him he might reconsider the 10% restocking fee.

[wannaduacentury]

Have you thought of reporting him to the Better Business Bureau? If he's a member and you threaten to report him he might reconsider the 10% restocking fee.

Good idea, I'd report him anyway, bikes aren't cheap and customer service should match the product, actually exceed it. I know, easier said.

[snapdragen]

Wait 'til it's all over; the bike is returned and you have your refund. Then report him.

[Kathi]

I agree, for $15 I'd let it go too. I hope your next experience is better.

I have a male friend that wants to order a bike from "Bikes direct"