How to Buy a Bike on the Internet

These days, alot of bikes are being sold on the internet at prices from 10% to 30% or more below those of brick and mortar bike shops or even big box discount bike shops. If you know how to buy a bike on the internet, it can be a great deal. If you don't know what you're doing, it can be a hugh headache. Here's some food for thought.

Get as much information as you can about the internet seller. What's his reputation? How much/how long has he been selling on the net?

If you buy a bike from an internet seller outside your state, no sales taxes will be due, but you will likely have to pay for shipping. Still, you will save about $80-$150. However, you may also need to visit a local bike shop to assist in reassembly of the bike if you're not mechanically inclined, or if you'd just like the peace of mind of having a professional check kit over. They may charge from $40 to $150 to reassemble your bike. Be aware that the internet is the locals shop's competitor, so don't expect to be greeted with open arms. The local shop knows that you bought your bike on the internet. It would be better to find a shop that specializes in repairs only, not bike sales.

Correct fit will be solely your responsibility. Most internet sellers will accept returns of bikes or frames due to defects, but not due to incorrect sizing. Even if you can return it, all that extra shipping will mean a minimum $100 mistake. Better to determine the right size frame to order, and be prepared to switch out parts if you need to. For example, the bars may be the wrong width, the stem the wrong length, the saddle not the most comfortable for you. You will either need to obtain replacement parts from a local bike shop, a catalog, or another internet seller. You can always sell your discarded parts on ebay!

Some local bike shops offer fitting services, but they do generally make a charge of $50 to $150 to dial you in. There are websites and catalogs that show you how to measure yourself and determine a frame size. If ordering a custom bike on the internet, you can probably specify bar width, stem length and crank length in addition to frame size. If you already have a bike, and assuming that it fits well and is comfortable to ride, measure the seat tube and top tube lengths, not the crank and stem lengths and handlebar width, and compare to the bike you're thinking about buying.

You don't get the opportunity to ask too many questions when you buy on the internet, so do your homework before committing to your bike purchase. Study magazine reviews and manufacturers' websites to help you determine the best frame for you in terms of frame geometry and materials.

If there is a local shop that carries the brand of bike youre interested in, go there and see the bike, feel it, test ride it. Make sure it's really the one you want. As a former bike shop owner, I found this behavior despicable. It amounts to using the local shop's time, facilities and inventory to determine the right bike for you to buy elsewhere. but, it is the easiest way to see, touch and ride your dream bike.

Remember that there is no service after the internet sale. This can negate the difference between the up-front price of the internet bike vs. the bike shop bike if you depend on a dealer to perform routine service and maintenance on your bike. If you buy the internet bike, be prepared to spend the time to learn houw to service it yourself, and the effort in performing the service, or be prepared to pay the local shop for that service.

The ideal internet buyer will be well-educated about current bikes and components, will know basic bike maintenance and will perform it himself, and will know a good deal when it presents itself. End of model year deals and closeouts abound on the internet. If you are patient, you can find the bike you're looking for at the right price.