Frequently asked Questions...


Jump to a Question and Answer>> Authorized Dealer | Factory Warranty | Why Low Prices | Site Security | Shipping Charges | Shipping Methods | Assembly | Bike Sizing | Customize Bike | Sales Tax | Satisfaction/Return/Exchange Policy | Overseas Shipping | FPO/APO Shipping | Alternate Address | Restocking Fees | Order Tracking| Shipping Damage| Discounts | Sealed Bearings

Q: How can you sell these bikes at such low prices?
A: We save you money by selling bikes factory direct. We do not require an expensive, high rent, store front location. We ship directly from the distribution warehouse. We also minimize our overhead by selling exclusively through the Internet. We do not need to stock hundred's of small repair/service parts or have several salespeople available or run an expensive call center. We buy in enormous volumes that affords us the best prices possible so that we can pass along the savings to you. All of these combined allow us to offer you the best, factory fresh, fully warrantied bicycles at up to 60% or more off List prices.

Q: Are you an authorized dealer? Do I get a full factory warranty?
A: Yes - We are an authorized dealer for every brand we carry. We ship directly from the factory warehouses so you pay close to wholesale prices and still get a full factory warranty.

Q: Is your site secure?
A: Yes, the final page where you enter your credit card information is secure and encrypted with the highest level of security. In addition, we only ship to confirmed and verified physical addresses.

Q: Do you charge shipping?
A: We offer FREE FREIGHT TO THE 48 (continental United States that is). The price you see is the price you pay - shipping costs are included in the price you pay. Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii must pay additional air freight starting at $150 (non refundable). Canadian residents, FPO/APO or Overseas, please contact us for details.

Q: How are bicycles shipped?
A: Bikes are shipped UPS Ground with Signature required to protect your purchase. If someone is not available to sign, UPS leaves a note so one can make other arrangements. It takes about 5 to 7 business days for shipping.  It takes a day or two for us to process the order. (Please, Do not count weekends or holidays as business days)

Q: Is much assembly required?
A: All bikes come direct to you in the factory box, about 90% assembled. If you are familiar with bicycle assembly, it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. 
CLICK HERE to see sample assembly instructions and a video. If you feel unsure about putting it together, please you take it to your local bike shop for final assembly, tuning and safety checks. All parts of the bicycle require proper tuning and tightening of all parts prior to every ride and inclusive of parts that arrive pre-installed.

Q: How do I know what size to get?
A: If you are unsure, drop us a line and we can help. Please include all the info you can... height, inseam length from the ground up in your cycling shoes, and the type/model of bike you are interested in. More info will always help (age, type of riding desired, past experiences, etc.) With the 100+ years of combined experience our staff have, sizing suggestions can be quite accurate however the final decision is up to you.

Q: Can I get you to make changes or customize my bike?
A: These ship directly from the distribution warehouse so we are unable to make changes from the manufacturers specifications. After you get the bike, contact us by email or fax and we can refer you to a great source of custom parts and accessories - perhaps a longer/shorter stem or bike pump or cycling computer.

Q: Did I get a sealed bearing?
A: The "sealed" bearing is one which has rubber or plastic gaskets to prevent the entry of dirt (or dust). In the bicycle industry, the term "sealed bearing" is often used colloquially to refer to a cartridge bearing. This can be confusing to a consumer who may think that a hub is a high-tech cartridge-bearing unit, when it is actually a normal cup-and-cone bearing (caged ball bearings) with a plastic dust cap. The step above a standard "sealed bearing" is called a "precision bearing".


Q: Do you charge sales tax?
A: For Bikes shipped to all states except Texas; we do not collect sales tax. For Bikes shipped within Texas, buyer must pay 8.25% sales tax. The net price for bikes shipped within Texas is the price listed on our site plus 8.25%

Q: What if I am not happy with the bike I choose or want to return or exchange it?
A: We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. (www.bikesdirect.com/money.htm) If you are not satisfied with the bike, let us know about it before returning it, often a simple adjustment is all that is needed. If you want to exchange it, you will need to return it within 30 days, in as-new condition and packed as you received it, then you would order the other bike. Please contact us for return instructions.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Not directly, sorry. There are far too many customs restrictions to be able to accommodate this.
However, some customers have us ship to family or friends in the continental United States. Or you may make arrangements with a freight forwarding company such as www.myus.com*

Q: Can you ship to FPO / APO Addresses (military)?
A: We are unable to ship directly to an APO address. You may opt to arrange with a freight forwarder such as www.shipitapo.com* or www.myus.com* . Or, you may provide an alternate US shipping address. Average Box Dimensions= 54x8x30. Weights: Road Bike=25lbs Weight: Mountain Bike/Hybrid=35lb boxed wt. (*shipitapo.com and myus.com are not affiliated with Bikesdirect.com and have separate policies)

Q: Can I ship to an address that is not the billing address of my credit card?
A: We value our customers and use AVS (address verification system) to ensure that there is no misuse of credit card information/fraud. This means that we ship to the billing address as registered with your credit card company. This protects not only us but you also. 
If you need to ship to an alternate address, please download the fax form here instead of placing an order online.
Click Here to Download Fax Form

Q: Is there a re-stocking charge if I return the bike?
A: No re-stock fees if the bike is returned in new condition and packaged as originally sent to you. Please contact us for proper return instructions. Please see our satisfaction guarantee for details. Customer pays all shipping costs involved.

Q: Is there a restocking fee if I change my mind or order the wrong bike.
A: Possibly. If a change is made and the bike has already been shipped we may ask you to pay the shipping we incurred to send the bike to you. (Shipping is "free" and included in the price of the bike if you keep the bike)

Q: Can I track my order?
A: Most customers will have tracking emailed to them shortly after the item is shipped. But, due to the nature of our business, orders are shipped from one of many locations and sometimes, we cannot offer immediate tracking. If an order is overdue (see time frame for shipping above) please contact us and we will obtain the tracking number for you or start a trace... as needed. If you don't hear from us, check to make sure you are emailing bikesdirectbikes@aol.com, use a different email address, check your spam filters or send us a fax to 904-249-3987 with a brief note and your contact phone numbers.

Q: What if a bike is damaged in shipment?
A: If there is obvious damage to the box, please make note of it and take photos. We will need to see the box so please save it and all packing materials. If the damage is obvious, please contact us by email to bikesdirectbikes@aol.com or fax to 904-249-3987. If your wheels need truing, this is part of normal set-up. Just like when a piano is shipped - the wheels may need some truing/tuning. If you discover shipping damage that was not immediately apparent within 7 days, please notify us via e-mail or fax and we will work out a solution. We pack the bikes quite well and UPS does a good job at moving them but...

Q: I am buying more than one bike. Is there a multi-bike discount?
A: You are already getting it. With high volume and low overhead everyone gets the multi-bike discount.