Bike Fit/Feel Question
01-25-09, 04:45 PM
#1
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Bike Fit/Feel Question
So I'm looking at getting a new bike and the two LBS in my area have tons of bikes but amazingly nothing I want in my size (58) As usual both places are more than willing to order any size in for me to buy. I understand that almost any frame of th eright size can be made to fit with modifications. The guy I deal with guarantees that he'll do whatever it takes to get any bike feel right. I'm starting to wonder how many guys here, who always chime iin with never buy a bike you can't test ride, actually get a bike, at least an upper level bike. Sure all kinds of other bikes in my size but as soon as you hit $2500 everthing is smaller. So how many have bought bikes they actually never got to ride, or how many have went to a different place with intentions of doing a test ride but no intentions of buying? Guess I just have to get over that and try bike out at other shops.
01-25-09, 06:07 PM
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meow
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Of course, everyone has their own tolerance for risk and such :-) If you're gonna plunk down a big chunk of change, I think it is a good idea to test it out sufficiently before you buy. I sense that the nature of this beast is that a fair number of people try things out -- as, unlike buying a car, test rides are, surprisingly, not necessarily easy to come by -- and then resell if they don't like it. I believe people generally experienced a small loss when doing this because bikes tend to hold their prices well. But, now, with the economy as it is, I don't believe that this will continue to be the case. I've been seeing tons of great bikes at great prices on eBay; those that are priced with the "old days/economy" approach are not getting bids. Trust your instincts and proceed in a way that you feel comfortable.
01-26-09, 11:46 AM
#4
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The most critical measurement on a new frame is the headtube length... and even this isn't critical if you don't mind getting a new stem and possibly flipping it up if necessary. This is the stiffest and lightest configuration anyway. The reach measurement varies little as you move through the sizes, and is easily accomodated by a stem change as long as you are close. Similarly the saddle setback can be easily adjusted by sliding the saddle on the rails, and getting a setback post if neccessary.
