Should You Buy a Bike on the Internet? (And what if you already did?)

I am an owner of a brick and mortar bicycle store, so my opinion is perhaps not entirely objective. I would recommend buying a bike on the internet only in the following cases:

• The bike you want is unusual, not available through any local dealers within reasonable distance, and no other bike shop in your area is willing to order it for you.
  AND

• The bike you want comes from a reputable dealer or manufacturer outside your immediate area (but preferably not another continent), and that dealer is willing to stand behind the product, no ifs ands or buts.

Otherwise, get your bike from your local bike shop.

Here is why you should avoid buying a bike on the web:

• Low price. An attractive price next to some artful lifestyle shots on your computer screen do not necessarily translate into an excellent real-life experience with the product. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• You are new to cycling. Internet companies that advertise low prices on bikes target precisely those consumers who are not well-versed in biking lingo, and possibly intimidated by the prospect of a bike shop experience. We get it!. In the long run, you’ll come out ahead if you take the time to find a shop you like and can work with, and let them help you navigate the road between a $200 internet special and a bicycle that will provide lifetime value.

• Assembly and follow-up service will cost you. Bicycles are fundamentally different from any other commonly purchased retail product. Unlike jeans, books, or pet supplies, etc., they require thorough, professional assembly to function properly and safely. An internet or mass merchant bike may seem like a bargain, until you add the cost of assembling, correcting improper assembly, and follow-up maintenance. Each bike purchased from Cosmic Bikes has been meticulously assembled by a skilled mechanic, and includes a full year of service. This adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings over what seems like a great deal online.
  Regardless of what the internet description may claim, any time a bike is shipped, it will require professional assembly upon its arrival. (How hard can it be? Click here. We assure you than in our 25+ years in the business we have yet to see a bicycle that arrives “90% assembled”.) Unless you are a skilled bicycle technician, you will have to pay for the service at your local bike store.

• Apparently larger selection and quicker delivery. Although the selection at your local store may seem slimmer compared to what’s available online, part of their expertise involves sifting through available options to select bicycles that represent the best combination of features and benefits. At our shop, in-stock bicycles are usually available the same day, and those that we special order usually don't take longer than bikes you may be tempted to order online. (**NOTE that the pandemic has interrupted the supply chain creating lengthy lead times, but this is equally true of independent bike shops, mass retailers and online shops.)
  Even if the bike you ordered online arrives more quickly, you will need to set aside time if you can do your own assembly, or time and money to have it assembled by a pro. Our price includes shipping, complete assembly and a service package, as described above. And, if you'd rather not fight traffic, we'll even deliver the bike to your home or office in the Chicagoland area.

• You cannot try before you buy and you have little recourse if the bike doesn't fit. Very often customers come in armed with information about a particular brand of bike, and convinced that they want to buy it, only to change their mind completely once they start test riding all the options. Computer pixels tell you nothing about how the bike will fit and feel when you take it out for a spin. If an internet bike doesn’t fit or fails to meet your expectations, you may be able to send it back, but it's costly and inconvenient (bikes are really hard to re-pack). Finding suitable replacement might take a lot of trial and error.
  On the other hand, your local dealer can help you find an alternate size or model, and trade out some key parts to make sure the bike fits you and the way you ride. Any standard bicycle we stock or special-order is also covered by our no-hassle 7-day return or 30-day exchange guarantee, without additional shipping or restocking fees.

• In case of problems or warranty issues, you may be on your own. Getting compatible replacement parts for a conventional internet bike can sometimes be tricky. With anything more complex, like a $999 e-bike for which you can’t find a replacement battery, you could end up with a very expensive door-stop.

What if you just can't find a bike you really want locally?

First of all, if it is a standard upright bike, and you simply like a particular brand and model that your dealer doesn't carry, go ahead a try comparable bikes that they do sell. You may find they are just as nice, and meet your needs very well. Very often people call us asking if we carry Trek, but what they really want is a decent, affordable city bike.

If the bike is a highly specialized brand, or something unusual, like a recumbent, an adult trike, an electric-assist bike, or a folding bike, don't assume your local shop can't get it for you. Go ahead and ask! If there really are no local dealers of that product in your area then no one has protected territory, and the manufacturer should have no problem sending one to your local shop. If one shop isn't willing to do it, try another.

But you bought a bike online. Now what?

Hopefully, you got a very good deal. In order to maximize its safety and longevity, please take it to your local bike shop of a complete professional assembly and tune up. Do not be surprised, shocked or dismayed if the price you’re quoted is higher than you expected. Unlike department stores, who may relegate bicycle assembly to stock personnel with no technical experience, the best shops hire skilled technicians to ensure your bike is expertly and safely put together. Additionally, a shop may charge disposal/recycling fee for the cardboard and other packing materials the bike arrived in. At Cosmic Bikes, you can expect assembly for typical multi-geared bicycle to run about $125 (single speed and children’s bikes may cost a little less), and up to $250 for complex cargo and electric assist bikes. Our prices include reasonable adjustments to help you find the best fit, and a 90-day guarantee on labor.

More about shopping online for bike parts.