I came across the competitivecyclist.com web site. It looks pretty good. I like the fact that you can specify every component (and every detail, like the crank length). Has anyone ordered a bike from them and, if so, how was your experience?
A friend of mine just ordered one of their clearance bikes. He couldn’t have been happier with the service (or the price).
Several years ago I ordered a close out Pegoretti from them. The bike ended up not fitting (and, I had already built it up and probably ridden about 100 miles). they had me ship it back to them, no questions asked. They did not have the Peg frame I wanted in the size i needed. So, I decided to try a Merckx. I double, triple checked geo, and ordered a 48cm sloping geo frame. What showed up was a 48 cm standard frame, which was way too small. Again, they took it back no questions asked (this time, their fault and they owned up to it). Unfortunately, I was unable to get the frame from them in my size. But, i would not hesitate to order from them again. A few years ago, I needed a last model year Ksyrium wheel to replace one that was totalled in a crash. The owner, Brendan, conversed with me over the phone and found the exact wheel I wanted (so it would match … pure vanity) and sold it to me for a very fair price.
Competitive Cyclist is not the cheapest on the interwebs, but they are a class act.
And, they have among the best cycling ‘journalism’ on the net in the News section of the site. That guy gets it.
100% agree. My wife ordered a Pinarello Prince from them last year (after doing a demo of one thru their demo program) and they are fantastic. I will certainly use them again in the future.
I have not, but know someone who recently did as well. His experience seems about like I’ve always heard about them - top notch. About as good as it gets if you must do it online - but I’d generally rec your LBS (I realize if you are looking for a Pinarello (for ex) it can be hard if you live in Montana or something.
I was looking into a Dean or Montello late last year and corresponded with Andy at Competitive quite a bit. I changed my plans on both those bikes (did not purchase either,) but the whole experience was great. Very informative with reference to the fit calculator.
If a buying experience was great without buying anything, I guess it would have been better if I actually bought something!
I bought my Ridley through them and couldn’t have been happier. Not only was it a smoking deal, it was some of the best customer service I’ve ever experienced. Probably the best packing job I’ve ever seen on a bike as well. I’d definitely buy from them again.