First road bike, go to a LBS or buy online?

iand-83

I am looking to get myself a road bike and can't decide if it's best to buy from my local bike store who sells Giant,Cannondale,Specialized and Focus so I will have a range to choose from or to buy online and possible get a better deal?

I am not 100% sure on how the frame sizing etc works on a road bike as I am more used to mountain bikes, am I best of going to the LBS to try different sizes and models to see which suits me best more than what colour I like the most?

Wirral_paul

If you dont know your size then buy local from a bike shop who knows what they are doing when it comes to bike fit. If they dont then ask on here and get your sizing as close as possible - and use the savings from buying online and getting a proper bike fit.

iand-83

I have just seen my local Giant store are doing the Defy 2 with 20% off so I might pop in there on my way home tomorrow and have a look.

southdownswolf

With the new ranges coming out at this time of year, you can probably get a decent discount at your lbs. Worth trying a few as manufacturers size the bike slightly differently. Until you know the geometry that is comfortable for you, then I would go to the lbs. You could always see if they would price match online pricing.

cattytown

First bike - use a shop. If you look around you may find a couple more shops that stock different brands. 20% off a Defy 2 is a lot of bike for the money.

Paul.

Mr Haematocrit

How are you defining a better deal?
For a me a good deal involves great service and support. I want someone I can talk to face to face if I encounter any problems.
I know a guy with a Caynon bike who had issues, the frustration he went through along with the volume of phone calls he had to make made it a horrible thing to watch. The savings by buying online can be great when everything runs smoothly but when you have issues, it can equally be time consuming and expensive to resolve them.

apjs87

Use a LBS to find a good bike. note the size and model and try to find it cheaper online. Most places price match

kingderham

Buy from your LBS, build up a relationship with them and im sure they will offer you discount's on product's, fixng and services etc.

iand-83

Well I have been to my local Giant cycle store today and the guy in there was helpful but not at all pushy to make a sale, took a Defy 2 for a test ride and I have to say I am very impressed by it, felt right straight away and didn't feel too twitchy or unnatural compared to riding my mountain bike. They also seemed very helpful and I am sure should any problems arise they will be able to assist and as Mr Haematocrit said I won't have to deal with calls and e-mails hopefully should I get any issues just take it into the store.