Originally Posted by
Vlaam4ever
I think you are misunderstanding my point. I suggested going to try as many bikes as possible. I never said don't buy from a bike shop. In my case I was seriously considering a new bike, but could not find a shop that could get me what I wanted. Demo days only stop by once a year or so and dont work with my travel schedule. I purchase plenty of items and services from the my LBS. If all a shop wants me to do is buy a bike from them then they are not going to get my business. I do try new bikes and buy frames and parts, tunes etc.
I was hoping to give you options not be judged.
But to each his own.
I agree with you. A point in time. Over time, many transactions can take place. I am a notable example. I always buy my stuff on ebay or on line shops...for the simple fact that not only the price is generally better but I can get exactly what I want. That said, I just bought a Specialized Roubaix Pro frameset from my lbs. Love the guys in there. Also bought a bike for my girlfriend last year...a lower end bike...because I couldn't build one as nice for that amount. As you say, you don't know until you know. If you don't ride different bikes with different geometries, wheelsets, component groups etc, you don't know until you know what's best. Good news for guys that don't know...ignorance is bliss and any reputable bike will be decent...its just won't be best for a given owner.