| Much of your comfort on a bicycle depends on correct fit. This is
difficult to get through mail order. A good dealer will tailor the
frame size, handlebar width, stem length, and (sometimes) the crank arm
lengths to fit you.
On the other hand, if you know exactly what sizes of everything you
want, you might save a few dollars by going through mail order.
Ken
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With the foregoing caveats, not only might you save a little
money, but you might be able to get a bike (frame) not available
in your area ... if you are dead set on a particular frame that's
not to be had locally.
But that brings up another point: not only is fit important, but
also "feel" - do the angles, fork rake, stiffness, etc., suit you?
How will you find out if you don't have at least a comparable bike
to test-ride?
It would help to know a little more about what you're looking for
in a bike: do you know exactly what you want (e.g., because you have
one already), or are you maybe looking for a 2nd or 3rd bike for
haphazard use, so economy is paramount?
-j
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