Buying bikes online - advice?

I am planning on buying this:





http://www.discountbicycles.co.uk/biz/product.php/6296/402/claud_butler_voyager_nexus_2009





but I hear that the bike can come bruised and broken. Any advice?Buying bikes online - advice?
You need to make sure that the box is intact. If it is, the bike will probably be in good shape. Bikes are shipped all over the world in cardboard boxes, problems are rare. You will need some tools to assemble your bike once you receive it, you will need to install the handlebars and front wheel, mudguards and any accessories that come with the bike. You will then have to adjust the brakes, perhaps the gear shifter, inflate the tires, and you should be ready to go. If you are unable to complete the assembly, you will have to find someone to do it for you, you may have to pay someone to do the job. One of the reasons buying online is less expensive is that you have to do some of the work yourself. Bike shops do this for you when you purchase your bike.Buying bikes online - advice?
If it comes bruised and broken you can send it back for a full refund under the sale of goods act 1979.





Having said that, I personally wouldn't buy a bike from that store. A quick search of google for reviews on ';Discountbicycles'; shows up mostly bad reviews...


http://www.kelkoo.co.uk/mp-4758723-disco鈥?/a>





Buy from a decent store;


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/





Or even Halfords do some decent bikes.
How are you with a set of spanners?





If it arrives damaged you can send it back. Your basic rights are not affected by the fact that you are getting the product shipped to you.





However, back to the original spanners. The bike will, by the looks of the site, arrive with several bits undone to allow for packaging. although your gears etc. are set up apparently.





In reality, I would not trust the factory set up and would have my local bike shop set it up correctly. This will cost you about 拢40. This is the amount of money that you are actually saving. Their mechanics may be OK, but for peace of mind I would still have my local bike shop set it up. But if you are doing this, I would buy from the bike shop in the first place, as you are not saving anything.





Luck
shop around your local bike shops, there is plenty of choice at that price point without falling for spurious discount offers, visit your local Raleigh dealer, the Metro LX comes in at 拢300 and you may find a 2008 model still in stock at 拢270.


Do not buy on line unless you know what you are doing and can carry out the assembly and safety checks, you also have to wait in for delivery and do not see the bike before you buy. or try it for size.


My experience of web prices for current models is that they are pretty much the same as local shops, where you get a fully assembled bike, try it for size, and, most importantly, you get retailer back up for those inevitable minor problems.
Collect and pay in person, and if you can't, don't buy it.





The risk of getting something not as advertised is how you are saving money.
You should have no problem. If the box looks damaged open it while the delivery person is still there. Most bikes are shipped double boxed.