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06-09-03, 02:39 PM
This is in response to myself, in a recent thread in which I ranted about how the LBS just isn't going to work for me, etc. etc. because I don't have enough money to afford it.
Well I think that has changed. The LBS that I had been to before was full of really rude employees, some of which were knowledgeable, most of which were not. They seemed to only cater to the customers who were there for the $5k dura ace special lance armstrong edition spacecraft edition grade titanium bike. Me, being someone with a 500 dollar price range, was completely lost to them. :thumbdn:
So I went to another LBS today because I just happened to go by there on the way home from the bank. I went in, and I was straightforward with the guy, and told him that I was in the market for a low range bike, entry level or even better used. He was great. He proceeded to give me a short overview of what is good and what is not, told me about the different types of shifters (sora, tiagra, 105, ultegra, dura ace), and was impressed when I was able to tell him those categories (from you guys of course :thumbup: ). He proceeded to show me the entry level new bikes with the Sora parts, and Raleigh frames. He said Raleigh had its claim to fame as being one of the cheapest frame makers, and I said Great!, thats my kind of frame maker!. He then showed me a used bike in the back that he said would probably fit me (56cm). I stood over it and it had about 2-3 in. clearance, so he said I could probably do with a 58, it just depended on whether or not I wanted to be more comfortable or have a more responsive ride.
This used bike in the back was full Ultegra, Raleigh frame, 2001, and only 600 bucks. I thought that would be a great deal and proceeded to punch myself in the head for not having any money in my bank account. I told him I would love that bike if I had the money, and that I would come back after I got a job and saved up some.
In short, he was a great guy, the place had a great atmosphere, and he didnt try to sell me anything today, he just tried to help me out. I am still going to look around garage sales and such things, but if I can't find anything, I'm going to go to that place to get a bike. For sure I will buy a helmet and shoes and stuff there just because he was so nice to me.
So... Rich you were right, I was wrong. :fun: (dunce hat).
Oh yeah and a side note, that old bike in my garage is a Fleetwing Phoenix 26, with Shimano Eagle shiftset.? In any case it is too small for me as I can stand about 5 in. over the frame, and I feel really cramped riding it. Its still fast though :D .
Well I think that has changed. The LBS that I had been to before was full of really rude employees, some of which were knowledgeable, most of which were not. They seemed to only cater to the customers who were there for the $5k dura ace special lance armstrong edition spacecraft edition grade titanium bike. Me, being someone with a 500 dollar price range, was completely lost to them. :thumbdn:
So I went to another LBS today because I just happened to go by there on the way home from the bank. I went in, and I was straightforward with the guy, and told him that I was in the market for a low range bike, entry level or even better used. He was great. He proceeded to give me a short overview of what is good and what is not, told me about the different types of shifters (sora, tiagra, 105, ultegra, dura ace), and was impressed when I was able to tell him those categories (from you guys of course :thumbup: ). He proceeded to show me the entry level new bikes with the Sora parts, and Raleigh frames. He said Raleigh had its claim to fame as being one of the cheapest frame makers, and I said Great!, thats my kind of frame maker!. He then showed me a used bike in the back that he said would probably fit me (56cm). I stood over it and it had about 2-3 in. clearance, so he said I could probably do with a 58, it just depended on whether or not I wanted to be more comfortable or have a more responsive ride.
This used bike in the back was full Ultegra, Raleigh frame, 2001, and only 600 bucks. I thought that would be a great deal and proceeded to punch myself in the head for not having any money in my bank account. I told him I would love that bike if I had the money, and that I would come back after I got a job and saved up some.
In short, he was a great guy, the place had a great atmosphere, and he didnt try to sell me anything today, he just tried to help me out. I am still going to look around garage sales and such things, but if I can't find anything, I'm going to go to that place to get a bike. For sure I will buy a helmet and shoes and stuff there just because he was so nice to me.
So... Rich you were right, I was wrong. :fun: (dunce hat).
Oh yeah and a side note, that old bike in my garage is a Fleetwing Phoenix 26, with Shimano Eagle shiftset.? In any case it is too small for me as I can stand about 5 in. over the frame, and I feel really cramped riding it. Its still fast though :D .