Buying locally vs online

[Kepa]

I’m buying everything bike related from online shops, mainly bike-discount and bike24. I personally wouldn’t hesitate, with analog bike, but with e-bikes I’d recommend using LBS. When shit hits the fan, it’s nicer to rant to a person behind the counter than writing emails.

 

[Chrysaor]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first E-MTB, the Focus Jam² 8.8.

Has anyone here bought an e-bike from online shops like bike24.de or bike-discount.de? I know a local dealer is easier for service and warranty, but the price difference compared to Switzerland is almost €2,000 (incl. shipping & customs).

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated!

I haven't used Bike24 warranty specifically on an E-bike but they have been very solid covering warranty on parts for me
Are you looking for the Jam2 or Jam2 SL? The later one has a motor which is known to be unreliable (cf Fazua posts on this forum)

 

[Just gan]

Local is ok if they are a good dealer .

 

[manjo]

I haven't used Bike24 warranty specifically on an E-bike but they have been very solid covering warranty on parts for me
Are you looking for the Jam2 or Jam2 SL? The later one has a motor which is known to be unreliable (cf Fazua posts on this forum)

Yeah, the Jam² SL model. I know the Fazua motor doesn’t have the best reputation, but I can’t really imagine it being used in much more expensive bikes if it caused that many issues.

When it comes to warranty, I just want to be sure I can go through Fazua in Switzerland if something happens, and not be forced to deal with a dealer. I do all the work on my bikes myself anyway.

 

[Chrysaor]

Yeah, the Jam² SL model. I know the Fazua motor doesn’t have the best reputation, but I can’t really imagine it being used in much more expensive bikes if it caused that many issues.

When it comes to warranty, I just want to be sure I can go through Fazua in Switzerland if something happens, and not be forced to deal with a dealer. I do all the work on my bikes myself anyway.

Unfortunately, being used in much more expensive bikes is not a guarantee it's a good product, cf. Takata airbag scandal...
If you still decide to buy one I would definitely buy the bike to a local bike shop rather than online.

 

[manjo]

Unfortunately, being used in much more expensive bikes is not a guarantee it's a good product, cf. Takata airbag scandal...
If you still decide to buy one I would definitely buy the bike to a local bike shop rather than online.

Thanks a lot, I’ll think about it some more.

 

[Roughshod]

Having had a Fazua bike for 5 years with no end of issues I would highly advise to avoid them. I even got mine fairly locally but trying to get it serviced and diagnosed has proven to been even more of a nightmare.

 

[eCologne]

For my Rose Root Miller 2 eBike, I walked to the Rose Store and they ordered it online. Same https like all.
Waited 3 weeks

My Dengfu E10 frame, battery and M510 I ordered online.

The locsl stores: i gave up. Really.
"You need new cassette? I can order one on next Wednesday. It will be here on following monday"
Me: we have Saturday. thats more than a week! I need it now.

Same with tires or break pads.
Only normal stuff to get, like baskets , helmets, standard road tires, locks.

Or go to a specialized shop, which is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, between 11:23 and 13:35. But it is more expensive than other shops, unwilling to order or oders are forgotten.

 

[Kepa]

For my Rose Root Miller 2 eBike, I walked to the Rose Store and they ordered it online. Same https like all.
Waited 3 weeks

My Dengfu E10 frame, battery and M510 I ordered online.

The locsl stores: i gave up. Really.
"You need new cassette? I can order one on next Wednesday. It will be here on following monday"
Me: we have Saturday. thats more than a week! I need it now.

Same with tires or break pads.
Only normal stuff to get, like baskets , helmets, standard road tires, locks.

Or go to a specialized shop, which is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, between 11:23 and 13:35. But it is more expensive than other shops, unwilling to order or oders are forgotten.

Same experience with just about every LBS. No stock or the prices are double compared to German webshops.

 

[eCologne]

Yep. And at Rose the most people work there because it's cool and modern.
Young styled people with mustache and mullet haircut or bun.
Frindly ones, gave a good coffee while ordering and asking the questions I had to a colleague.

Their skin is touched by oil from other producers than chain oil.

 

[Just gan]

For my Rose Root Miller 2 eBike, I walked to the Rose Store and they ordered it online. Same https like all.
Waited 3 weeks

My Dengfu E10 frame, battery and M510 I ordered online.

The locsl stores: i gave up. Really.
"You need new cassette? I can order one on next Wednesday. It will be here on following monday"
Me: we have Saturday. thats more than a week! I need it now.

Same with tires or break pads.
Only normal stuff to get, like baskets , helmets, standard road tires, locks.

Or go to a specialized shop, which is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, between 11:23 and 13:35. But it is more expensive than other shops, unwilling to order or oders are forgotten.

Yes it's hard for local shops to beat online deals and keep stock . I ordered a seat and got it delivered next day it came from over 500 miles away. Both my ebikes were from a far away dealer Berkshire cycles the customer service from them is probably best in UK .

 

[Eliadn]

I see absolutely no reason to buy locally if the selection is abysmal and prices are at least 20% higher.

 

[JoeBlow]

I bought my Orbea Wild a few years ago on-line from Germany for £3990. At the time it was £5400 in Leisure Lakes so it worked well for me.

 

[Just gan]

If you've ever been stung with warranty or not good customer service after buying online , not necessarily a bike it would make one wary . Saying that going in to a shop gives you a idea of the after service you may or may not get. Not nice people seem to stick out in my experience.

 

[Kepa]

Another POV: I’m still using my old LBS, (on special topics such as suspension) nowadays as an online shop, as I’m now living in another country. I know the guy and I trust him so why cancel the relationship? But wear and tear definitely from any online shop.