Recreational & Family - This is getting Serious. HELP

I am in need of some serious advice from those in the know. After 20 plus years off a bike, I decided to get into it for both fitness and fun. A little research led me to the Trek brand as well as a few other quality items. I won’t name the dealer in the Orlando area – however, I had pretty much decided that I wanted a 7300FX. (This was about 3 weeks ago) Well, no 2004 bikes in stock at this or their other stores. How long for a 2005? OH, at least 2 months. As is human nature, I wanted a bike – NOW. The only thing they had “in my size”, was a Trek 1000. OK. left a deposit and picked up the bike a week later.

Too make this as short as possible, they put me on a bike at about two sizes too large. They made no attempt to adjust anything, and I later found 40lbs of air in each tire. Two wrecks later, someone told me about a Trek concept store. I took the 1000 in and the owner was incredulous that someone had put me on that Bike. (He not only realized what a poor fit it was, but was pretty adamant that the 1000 is one of Trek’s few “mistakes”. In fact the 2005 version makes many changes to upgrade the bike.

Because he could offer me virtually nothing in trade, he spent close to two hours making as many adjustments as he could. I already had grown to hate the toe clips so I also had him install a set of clipless pedals. (I had shoes, which had the cutout, so clips could be installed). As I write this, blood is streaming down my legs from trying to use the “clipless” pedals.

Should I just continue to loose blood in the hope that “I’ll get the hang of it” – or bite a large bullet and get a 2005 7300FX? Of course I’ll never the hang of a too large bike!!!! Another option, since I really do like the road bike style, is to get a new. improved 1000 that fits. What would those of you who have (no pun intended) been around the block do? Hurry, I’m tire of making up excuses for the condition of my knees.

PS Not only are the 05’s NOT two months out – I can get virtually any model in less than a week. Also, I know some will say go back to the first store and raise hell – but regardless of what they may do – I simply don’t trust them.

Wow, you really got hosed! First of all i think you should name the dealer so others might not suffer your same fate. You aren't helping anyone by keeping his name a secret. As far as what decision to make, only you can make that. A lot of that depends on your financial situation. If it is fiscally feasible than go for it.

One thing you need to consider is that your current bike still has value. You just need to find someone that wants it. You could easily go on Ebay and sell it for at least 75% of your initial cost. Sometimes you can get even more than you paid for it. It is that crazy on Ebay. :rolleyes:

yep - sell the bike since that is too large for you. you'll never be comfortable on it.

HI, I know this might not be much help, but I just picked up a 7700 FX friday.
They didn't have a 20 in frame so they ordered me one. I know they are out there.
This is a good dealer in Indiana, they fitted me and everything, spent a lot of time.
You shouldn't have to wait for 2005.
The dealer is Koehlinger's in Ft Wayne.
They have a 17.5" 7700 FX on the floor.

Get the hang of the clipless pedals and then sell the 1000. Put the clip pedals back on for the sale. No sense in getting rid of the bike before you get some use out of it. This will give you the goal of getting the hang of the pedals so you can sell the 1000 and when you get the new bike you can enjoy it right away without the frustration of learning the pedals.

For the pedal, fit some plain platform ones, until your get the hange of your new bike. Its too much to expect to learn clipless pedals on a new bike when you havent ridden for 20 years.
Get some clipless ones put on when you get some confidence back.

You should have gone right back the the store you bought it at and *****ed to high heaven, you should have done it after the first ride though. I took my daughters bike back the next week after I bought it and my dealer took it back and gave us what we wanted no problem. I don't see how you went from a hybrid to a road bike in such a short time. Think about what kind of bike you really want before you do anything else. JMO

Tony

Thanks for all the good comments.

This morning, after pondering the situation, my common sense kicked in. I called the shop where I originally purchased the 1000. First, I discovered that this particular shop is just a “satellite” shop – small inventory, etc. (This was never explained to me when I was there). I was given a name and number at the main store. I called – explained in detail the situation, and was invited to bring the bike, bills, etc. to the main store. (I hated blowing the whistle on the kid in the little shop – buy hey, it’s my money).

This afternoon I went to the main shop. I was blown away by how much they wanted to make the situation right. I was given every cent back I paid for the 1000, in spite of a few scratches, and was shown the large selection of 2005 Treks, and others.

I came away with a 7300FX, correctly sized. I had a computer installed, along with some really neat flip handles that fit on the ends of the bar to give an alternative hand position. I made several test rides in the back before the manager was totally satisfied that everything was perfect.

Not only did I come away with a fantastic bike, but with some money back!!!!

I can NOW totally recommend David’s World Cycle in Orlando.

They also removed the clipless pedals from the 1000 for my later use if desired.!

A road bike may be in the future – but after a 20+ year absence from riding – and being not at all young; the hybrid is for sure the way for ME at this time.

Great news, Yes I agree with you and the hybrid, as I said before I have the 7100, great bike for us just getting back into cycling, ride for a while and then go to the rodie if you choose. Tell me about the flip handles for the bars, I am interested in them already, that's what I miss about the drop bars, several hand positions available to the rider.
I am glad the shop made good for you, I wouldn't think a shop of any worth would refuse an unhappy customer, good for you.

Regards Tony

I love happy endings. :D

I came away with a 7300FX, correctly sized. I had a computer installed, along with some really neat flip handles that fit on the ends of the bar to give an alternative hand position. I made several test rides in the back before the manager was totally satisfied that everything was perfect.


Are you talking about the cane creek bar ends?
They come stock on the 7700 FX

These bar ends are by Topeak. They actually double as handles plus mirrors if desired. When not in use, they fold in and are almost unnoticeable. Or you can flip them out and use just the handles or if needed – flip out the mirrors. $33.00 retail.

Sounds like a good ending. It's often amazing what result you can get when you approach situations reasonably.

One point I'd make about the tire pressures. High pressure / small volume tires such as those on road bikes lose pressure reasonably quickly. With the small volume of air in the tires, it doesn't take much to leak out to give you a significant drop in pressure. So, while the shop may well have delivered the bike with low pressure in the tires, it's also possible that the tires just lost a reasonably normal amount of pressure over the period since you bought the bike and checked the pressures. On my road bikes, I add a bit of air to the tires before every ride (which is pretty much every day/second day).