David, my last bike purchase was also a bit unconventional. I ride a Bacchetta carbon fiber recumbent. But no dealer in Michigan carries this model. (I was able to test ride an aluminum model with the same frame geometry so I knew it to be a good fit)
So I spoke to the owner in Florida and he put together a model with all the equipment I specified.
He then put this in a really BIG box and shipped it to Michigan. The only issue was the rear derailleur--an issue with that model. So they exchanged it for a sram xo affair. A $100 upgrade. Now that's service! (Does this sound a bit like Aric Audio?) And 15,000 miles later, much like my DI's, it was money very well spent.
So you're right David, interesting parallels between these hobbies.
So I spoke to the owner in Florida and he put together a model with all the equipment I specified.
He then put this in a really BIG box and shipped it to Michigan. The only issue was the rear derailleur--an issue with that model. So they exchanged it for a sram xo affair. A $100 upgrade. Now that's service! (Does this sound a bit like Aric Audio?) And 15,000 miles later, much like my DI's, it was money very well spent.
So you're right David, interesting parallels between these hobbies.