Buying Bike Frames Online

[mariacycle]

Has anyone had a positive experience buying a WSD frame online? It seems impossible to find a credible website that sells more than 1-2 (if they even sell them at all) women's frames. Certainly I'm not trying to advocate the "don't support your LBS" mentality, but when your LBS doesn't deal any of the bikes you are interested in the only choices are to drive far or buy online.

[ny biker]

What are you looking for?

[Seajay]

doesn't deal any of the bikes you are interested in

I'm not trying to be flippant here but if your mind is made up that you are "interested in" a particular make/model/color/style of bike without seeing it or riding it..... the reasons you like the bike have nothing to do with it being the RIGHT bike for you.

Unless you know exactly what it is that makes a bike perfect for you....
If you care about the important things like ride quality, comfort and fit....Choose the best one based on everything you CAN ride and take advantage of all the resources a shop has to help you.

[mariacycle]

I was thinking about the BMC Pure Pro1 in 51cm, but open to other frames. I also considered the Specialized Amira. I'm trying to shop around and see what my options are.

The other thought was just to get a new groupset for me to put on my Fuji Roubaix and eventually switch that over to a custom frame down the line. I suppose the related question is have any of you ladies bought Campy groupsets online for reasonable pricing? It seems like the UK online stores have the best prices.

[mariacycle]

Seajay - I think your points are perfectly reasonable. I'm not dead set on any particular bike or brand, I'm just shopping around and seeing my pricing options. It also seems like I am more likely to get a good deal on an older model frame online than through a shop (unless you actually work at the shop). I certainly won't buy anything without testing it in person somewhere if possible.

[mariacycle]

I do have the opportunity to see the Amira in the meantime but won't buy it through that shop because of timing and relocating. After relocating I found a BMC dealer far but not too far away to go for a test ride.

It seems like Competitive Cyclist doesn't carry many WSD carbon bikes. The only women's bikes I see are Pinarello and Orbea.

I'm generally frustrated by how easy it is to find men's frames online anywhere and how few options there are for the women's frames

[ny biker]

You're in northern Va, right? Lots of shops here carry Specialized, staring with multiple locations of Spokes, etc. Also Trail's End Cycles in Purcellville at the end of the WOD trail and Fresh Bikes in Arlington. I'm sure there are others.

BMC's site lists Cycle Life in DC as one of their dealers. 3255 K Street NW, Tel: 202-333-8883. They're in Georgetown.

[mariacycle]

There is a BMC dealer within an hour of my new place but I was hoping I could order a frame online so I could potentially get an older model and get a great discount. I'm not even sure if I could even buy just the frame through the dealer, that doesn't always seem to be an option. My boyfriend currently works at a bike shop as a mechanic so I don't need a brick and mortar shop for building or fixing my bike. We've definitely stocked up on accessories at his current shop, but we are soon leaving them due to the move. I'm very happy to move but sad to no longer call them my LBS.

I'm sorry that my responses seem so confusing. I'm just trying to get a feel for if anyone here has had any good experiences with buying frames online so that I can browse those websites. Those two bikes I mentioned are bikes I am interested in, but I have to wait until after my move to purchase a bike.

Ridley has two on CC? [EDIT] Were you referring to Asteria and Liz? Thanks for the heads up! [/EDIT]

[mariacycle]

NY - That's the BMC dealer I was planning on visiting. I had totally forgotten about Spokes, thanks for reminding me! I was tunnel visioning a bit about how very locally there only seems to be Fuji and Trek.

[ehirsch83]

Have you had a fit yet?

I advice having a good fit and getting your #s. Knowing your stack and reach will be a huge help.

I have had many bikes over the years and it wasn't until I had those #s that I was able to get a bike that truly fits me- and I ordered it(but from my LBS) sight unseen b/c they didn't carry any in stock. I have the Orbea Orca Dama and love it- it is one of the few women specific that actually have a higher headtube to compensate if you have a short torso and long legs(which I do). Other great ones to look at are the Felt women's bikes and Focus's womens.

There are a ton out there- but I would advise paying the couple hundred for a really good fit first. Once you do, go talk to the LBS that carries what you want- there is a good chance they can contact their rep and see if there are any year old models around to purchase.

[Skippyak]

Is there any reason you need WSD? At 51, it won't purely be be size, right? I have bikes from online and with research and knowing I didn't want WSD, it all worked out fine. Did you try the CC fit chart thingy? My Dh is my unofficial mechanic so I am not tied to the LBS for service or tweaks either.

[ny biker]

NY - That's the BMC dealer I was planning on visiting. I had totally forgotten about Spokes, thanks for reminding me! I was tunnel visioning a bit about how very locally there only seems to be Fuji and Trek.

The Bike Lane carries Felt in addition to Trek. Fresh Bikes has Cannondale, Cervelo, Pinarello and Specialized. Spokes carries Trek, Specialized, Gunnar, Seven, Salsa and Surly. Trail's End has Specialized, Eddy Merckx, Ridley, Pinarello. Bicycle Outfitters in Leesburg has Trek, Giant, Felt, Cannondale. Tri360 in Arlington (East Falls Church) has Orbea, Ridley, Felt, and something called Argon.

There's a boatload of bike shops to choose from around here.

Though if you're focused on getting a deal online, it wouldn't be fair to waste their time trying out their bikes and then going home to buy from another company.

[rebeccaC]

I’ll second getting the fit numbers and also use a fit machine. Not only will you have a good idea of the math/fit and how that feels, it gives you more info to help look online if that makes for a big price or availability difference. You can also use the info for a custom frame later. I like my lbs and support them when I can but there were times when I needed to really look at cost and availability. When I got my custom frame (going through my lbs) I searched the net for my campy group and came up with some good prices. That was a couple of years ago. Good luck in your search!

Don’t some custom builders have pre-built/sized frames that are a little cheaper. You and bf can build it up

[Marquise]

Nothing to add on frames but for good pricing on Campy go to velomine.com. They have a store in Springfield, IL, and online sales. I ordered a Record 11 group from them earlier this year and got a good price and good service.

[mariacycle]

Skippyak - good point. I had a fitting for my Roubaix but I should get a general fit to see what geometry would be best for me. I would definitely get a men's frame if it was a better fit for me.

NY - thanks for all the info! I agree that it isn't fair to waste a LBS' time and buy online. DBF and I decided to wait until next year so we can afford to get whatever I want instead of cutting it close now, which means probably not getting a bike online (although getting the Campy groupset online still seems like the best option since we will assemble ourselves).

Don’t some custom builders have pre-built/sized frames that are a little cheaper. You and bf can build it up

I didn't know that! Do you happen to know of any?

Marquise - thanks for the tip! We are browsing the site now

I appreciate everyone's advice and opinions!