Buying a bike you have not ridden
Kinda long but I'm not sure how else to explain it.
I'd be interested in other peoples experiences.
As per previous posts I have been looking around for a bike. According to several stores, they have suggested that my correct size is a 23" given my height of 6'4". I have ridden a 23" Giant Yukon and agree that this bike felt the most comfortable of all the bikes I have ridden (others being 21" & 19" bikes of a number of brands Fisher, Trek, Kona, etc). The Giant felt good but it has low end componentry which I not too sure about. Giants the next step up in componentry only go to 21".
The problem for me is that the LBS's do not stock 23" bikes as they are hard to shift. So what to do? This means buying a bike that I have not ridden.
Recently came across a Specialised Rockhopper Comp which I can get as part of a 2001 clearout and in 23". Test rode the 21" but felt small, otherwise good. The LBS owner I went to used a software program to size me up and it came to the 23".
What I wanted to know was if others have had the experience of successfully or otherwise buying a bike they have not ridden. I sure this happens for some when buying of the Internet. I know it is not ideal to not ride the bike you buy but here I have limited choices.
Any comments, suggestions or otherwise is appreciated.
cheers