Mountain Biking - Buying a bike you have not ridden

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doodad
04-08-02, 07:08 AM
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


Rich
04-08-02, 07:18 AM
Hi Doodad,

It's always risky taking a leap of faith when buying a bike you haven't ridden before. I bought my Kona from Canada on the internet without riding it, and luckily it fits me like a glove.

With the Giant, see if your LBS are prepaired to upgrade your components by swapping bits over and adjusting the cost. Could be worth a try?

Other than that, the brands you mentioned are all very good, it's just if they fit, I guess.

Let us know how you get on!

Rich

doodad
04-08-02, 07:52 AM
Hi Rich,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I have costed the upgrade and there is not doubt that bang for buck a total package is better. The LBS prices in labour for rebuilding the bike which is fair enough. Things like forks for example a way more expenisive of the rack than as part of a package. But yes this is an option. I like your term 'leap of faith' because I think that describes it accurately.

cheers,


Rich
04-08-02, 08:42 AM
No worries Doodad,

Re-reading your post, if the Specialized Rockhopper comes out for a 23" for you...I think you can safely say it'd fit you.

They're great bikes if it's any help.

Rich

SSonnentag
04-09-02, 08:49 AM
I found myself ordering a bike I hadn't tried out also. There is only one bike shop in my town and the nearest shop out of town is 180 miles away. My local shop didn't have the exact bike I wanted to order in stock, but they did have similar size frame bikes. I just tried out one of them for size and ordered the one I wanted. It should be arriving some time this week. :) I hope it works out OK! :D

Shawn