Bikesdirect or LBS?

I went with bikes direct over used.  I paid $350 for a brand new bike with low end components but it served me well for 1 yr until I upgraded to a bikesdirect frame set that I built up.  I looked used too but they were either still expensive or did not fit.

I would say to your friend there is nothing wrong with bikes direct.  I would use trek or specialized as a starting point for size and then go from there. 

I don't believe I've ever seen a substantive negative comment about bikesdirect.com from anyone who's actually done business with them.  People who've bought bikes from them (myself included) tend to be quite happy with the products and the buying experience, and totally jazzed about the price/value. 

People who make negative comments are generally the "faithful" who just think it's wrong on principle not to patronize the LBS.

Bikes direct 100%.  Especially if you have an inclination of size needed.  With the money you save you could parts to fine tune the fit if you needed.  Plus, the guys/gals at BD answer any questions quickly via email, so you can ask them what's on your mind.

People try to argue that at the LBS you get a "fitting" with your bike- but all they ever do is adjust your seat or move your bars a little.  And they say that they maintanence you get from the LBS will "pay for itself".  Bull.  Especially if you can do really basic things, like adjust derailleurs and change a tube.

There's just too much of a price difference to really make any arguement against the bikes on bikes direct.  Everything else is matched on the bikes. 

(disclaimer- I've owned (own 1 currently) two motobecanes, and my best friend bought his motobecane from bikes direct, and I think I'm going to get a Mercier in October/November)

I used the ebay version of bikesdirect and I am very happy with my mirage pro.  I did have LBS guilt so I bought new sunglasses, water bottles & cages, bike pump and new bike shoes.  So he still got my business.  Its just that I can get a better deal online for a new bike.  And if your thinking about buying used on craigslist or classifieds, then your LBS probably wont get that sale either so what the difference.   Get the best bike you can afford and still have money left over for accessories and extras is my .02.

But I would buy from BD again. 

People who make negative comments are generally the "faithful" who just think it's wrong on principle not to patronize the LBS

This is a VERY correct statement...  The bike guys are freeks when it comes to their LBS...  They feel this is is wrong to buy over the internet.  Most of these guys are tied to their shops.  They work there of own the joint.  Pay to get fitted at a shop.  Tell them that they will get all your business for service.  And you will need adjustments...If they dont like it tell them to F themselves and go elsewhere.  I almost bought a bikes direct because the freeks scared me.  Do be intimidated.

I live in an area that has a Bikes Direct LBS.  You can't beat the product you get for the price.  When I did my pricing before I bought my Nemesis last year, I took the lowest internet price I could find for each component of the bike and found that the components alone would cost you more than buying the complete bike from Bikes Direct.  I don't think I could have been happier with a different bike.

FYI:  I was at the bike shop yesterday and bikes direct will be coming out with a titanium frame very soon!  Interesting...

They've had the Ti road bikes on the website for a couple of months now. 

I got a Le Champion Ti on a Christmas pre-order deal, had to wait until May to get it but it's a great ride and the price was crazy good (about $300 less than what they're selling for now, which is still great for a Ti frame with Ultegra or Dura-Ace)