General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!! Rss Feed  
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2011-08-13 8:03 PM

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South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
Subject: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!

I would like to leave a brief review of my experience with this company.

First I am of limited $$$. I saw them on ebay and their great ratings. They were within the price range I was wanting and being a beginner I didn't want to fork big $$$ right away.

Ordered the bike and it was scratched (not from shipping), but from where components were attached (near brakes, shifters, etc.) Not too big of a deal. I took it down to my LBS to assembled completely and to give it the once over. I go to pick it up and they tell me they sent the wrong size handle bars (.4cm too small) and wouldn't tighten properly. My option, buy a new set from my LBS or have the company send new ones. I opted for the company to fix their screw up.

I contacted roadbikeoutlet (by email & phone) they said they didn't have touch-up paint for the scratches and would give me a $10 credit (big whoop). As far as the handle bars, they said they would ship out the correct size and the grip tape. I waited two days for an email confirmation or phone call. Nothing. I did receive an ebay email to revise my review of their service ( I gave them a poor rating on the initial review). I decided to wait to give the new review after receiving the proper replacement parts and that they were the appropriate ones.

Another day or two passes and still nothing! I call. They said they wouldn't send the new parts till I gave them a positive review on ebay. Ummm EXTORTION? Anyway, I finally convinced them to send what I needed and got them yesterday. The bars fit, but they sent me the wrong color tape (plus just rubber tape. No adhesive tape.

No apology! No compensation for the costs incurred for 2 bike assemblies at the LBS ($40 each) and no sign of any credit to my account. I contacted ebay and filed an extortion complaint and hope they will resolve the problem.

Buyer beware!



2011-08-13 10:31 PM
in reply to: #3642471

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
Yikes, sorry you had such an awful experience. I hope the bike brings you lots of happy miles.
2011-08-15 4:34 PM
in reply to: #3642471

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!

You get what you pay for at those places.

Same with bikesdirect.com

Cheap stuff but you pay for it in other ways.

2011-08-16 12:32 PM
in reply to: #3644711

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South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
indianacyclist - 2011-08-15 4:34 PM

You get what you pay for at those places.

Same with bikesdirect.com

Cheap stuff but you pay for it in other ways.

 

Ya I know.

The bike itself is great. It's just been the customer service and their attitude. I just wanted what was advertised and I payed for. They still couldn't get it right. I contacted them one more time before opening a case with ebay, and nothing.

I was hoping (not for a big credit or compensation) for an apology and some kind of "Hey, what would make you happy and be a continued customer."

Guess they think they're too big to be troubled or care.

Just wanted to pass the info along for others to make a better decision than myself.

2011-08-16 1:45 PM
in reply to: #3644711

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
indianacyclist - 2011-08-15 4:34 PM

You get what you pay for at those places.

Same with bikesdirect.com

Cheap stuff but you pay for it in other ways.

I wouldn't apply that to all places.  I've ordered 2 bikes from BD and they're running great...

OP - Sorry to hear. Hope you enjoy the bike.

2011-08-18 9:48 AM
in reply to: #3646052

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!

I wouldn't apply that to all places.  I've ordered 2 bikes from BD and they're running great...

OP - Sorry to hear. Hope you enjoy the bike.

 

x2 more than happy with bikesdirect for my tri bike.



2011-08-23 9:12 AM
in reply to: #3642471

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
Cagolddigger - 2011-08-13 8:03 PM

The bars fit, but they sent me the wrong color tape (plus just rubber tape. No adhesive tape.)


Tape doesn't always have adhesive. If it's wrapped correctly you don't need adhesive.

Sorry you experience was poor.
2011-08-23 10:08 PM
in reply to: #3648802

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
kburk09 - 2011-08-18 9:48 AM

I wouldn't apply that to all places.  I've ordered 2 bikes from BD and they're running great...

OP - Sorry to hear. Hope you enjoy the bike.

 

x2 more than happy with bikesdirect for my tri bike.



I'll put in another positive vote for BD. No frills doesn't always mean bad service.
2011-08-23 11:14 PM
in reply to: #3642471

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South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!

It wasn't really the frills. I just purchased some better grip tape - Phat bar tape with the gel inserts and they're awesome.

What pi$$ed me off was that they sent the wrong size handle bars with it originally and when I wanted the right size sent, they wouldn't do it till I revised my ebay review on them. That's extortion.

I kept the e-mails and filed a report with ebay (still under review). I just don't want others to have the same problems with customer service I had and want it to be made public.

I just don't have the budget to go to a LBS and fork out the $$$ for a road bike. I went cheaper and now I am reaping the rewards.

 

2011-08-29 8:31 PM
in reply to: #3642471

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
you could look at used bikes next time. how often does someone else go spend the big bucks at LBS and then stop riding after 200 miles. well guy that I bought my c-dale from did...

i think its nice of your LBS to assemble the bike for you...some would say no way

Edited by file014 2011-08-29 8:32 PM
2011-08-30 12:37 AM
in reply to: #3642471

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South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!

Ya, I searched craigslist for some time looking for a decent deal, but up here in Tahoe most everyone is into mountain biking. When the California Tour race was here in May, some bikes started popping up, but the prices were too high for my budget. 

I got the right size bars, got the Phat Bar tape w/ the gel inserts and if I do say so, I did an awesome job on the wrap. Fist time doing too. Got a Selle Italia seat from a fellow coworker for free (only a year old) and a cat eye computer. 

The LBS here is actually really great. Cost $40 for the assembly of the bike and thorough going through. Bike shifts smooth, brakes have great response. 



2011-09-04 5:51 PM
in reply to: #3644711

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Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!
indianacyclist - 2011-08-15 4:34 PM

You get what you pay for at those places.

Same with bikesdirect.com

Cheap stuff but you pay for it in other ways.

I had nothing but a great experience with Bikes Direct when I bought my new 29er. Awesome bike and customer service. I'd do it again in a heartbeat 

2011-09-07 10:01 AM
in reply to: #3642471


4

Subject: RE: Roadbikeoutlet.com ~BEWARE!!!

fwiw I just got a $279 Vilano from RoadBikeOutlet and the service was excellent!

Bike is great for me ( a road bike newb-prev mtn biker and runner

sorry for your problems-sometimes it's just karma.....lol

 

bl

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