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Dating app or pub. Online mail order company or bike shop in the neighbourhood. Some people look for their partner online, others prefer to meet their mate in person. There are also good reasons for both approaches when buying a mountain bike. In today's digitalised world, bikes sent by post are no longer outsiders, but have a firm place in the bike world. The big advantage of buying online: cheaper bikes with the same quality. This works because so-called direct mail order companies save on distribution via specialist dealers. They pass these savings on to the customer by offering good value for money. Large online shops also often entice customers with more favourable prices than the bike shop around the corner. But even if bike shops and specialist retailers are a little more expensive, they also offer advantages over mail-order bikes. We explain for whom it makes sense to buy a new mountain bike online and who should go to a dealer.
Buying a mountain bike from a specialist dealer
If you have never patched a tube, changed the brake pads or removed a wheel, you should definitely visit a specialist dealer when buying a mountain bike. In a direct comparison, the models in the local bike shop are of the same quality usually a little more expensive than the bikes from mail order companies or online shops. However, specialist dealers usually offer a Comprehensive range of services. You can buy Advised by an expert and the Test ride your favourite bike. The Comparison between different models or frame sizes is also easier in the shop. An initial suspension and seat adjustment is usually included free of charge. Many dealers will also replace add-on parts such as saddles, grips or handlebars on request if the standard components don't fit straight away. If the tyre is flat, the chain is broken or even the frame is broken: for Repairs, service work or in the event of a warranty claim you can simply contact the dealer.
Buy a mountain bike online or from a direct seller
Same equipment at a more favourable price - that's the main difference. The bikes of the Direct mail order companies Rose, Radon, Canyon, YT Industries, Propain or Votec there are only to buy online. Mountain bikes from specialist brands such as Ghost, Specialized or Scott, on the other hand, are available both in shops and online shops. What the direct mail order companies save on staff, they give back in the form of a first-class price-performance ratio to the customer. Perfect for bikers who are not dependent on comprehensive advice or the service of a specialist dealer. However, if you can't repair your bike yourself, you have to send it in. From our experience, we know that this is usually significantly more expensive. takes longer than a repair at a specialised dealer. Who wants to Bike from the online shipper for repairs often has to queue and sometimes pay more. This is because many bike shops prefer the bikes of their regular customers and, especially in the high season, it is difficult to get a Dispatch bike difficult to get a repair appointment. Some mail order companies want to improve on this point and are developing their own mobile service offerings.
Our recommendation for buying a mountain bike
We strongly advise inexperienced beginners without screwdriver skills to buy from a competent specialist dealer. In the event of warranty claims or repairs, the specialist will be on site. But the extra charge is also worthwhile for any other biker who needs help with servicing, spare parts supply and repairs. Experienced bikers who have a precise idea of their dream bike can take advantage of the price advantage of mail order companies and online shops without hesitation. In terms of quality, the mountain bikes from mail order companies are in no way inferior to those from specialist dealers.
A large selection of mountain bikes is available from the following online shops:
