I test rode some bikes today
So I have been going back and forth and reasearching the heck out of and vetting candidates for my new bike. I really thought that the Canondale Synapse Carbon 105 (non disk) $ 2,240.00 was going to be my bike. I like the brand, I like the black and green color scheme, I like the reviews and I finally got a chance to ride it today. I was OK.. It really was sweet and it really is a million times nicer than what I currently ride. I took out teh 56 and the 58. The bike shop owner taged me for a 56 but I have long legs and he thought the seatpost had to be brought up a touch more than he wanted. The bike is super comfy, roomy and the bars felt huge and plush. I felt very stretched out on both of them and just coulnt seem to get a comfortable hand position but I figure its because drop bars are new to me. I came back and thought this was probably going to be it. He had another bike ready for me. The Trek Emonda carbon 105. $2,099.99 It was a more subdued satin black, 58cm, 23c tires and mostly 105 components. He said its not quite as plush as the Synapse but thought it a good fit for teh kind of riding I am and plan to do. I really wanted to not like it but I took it out all the same. Much to my absolute suprise I REALLY liked it. It felt as though it was a better fit, it felt quicker and was REALLY fun to ride. ...I never make a big purchase the same day so I thanked the owner and headed out teh door with for information and some things to consider.
I then stopped by aother shop as I have been eyeballing the Giant Defy Advanced 2 ($2100). All he had in stock in my size was an Aluminum Deft with Shimano Claris (sp?) components. He tells me that they are both the same frame dimensions just different material. This bike was SUPER comfortable but I was already spoiled a bit by the 105 components on the other two I just rode. There is a HUGE difference is feel. But the dimensions on the Size L frame felt as though it was built for me.
So I have narrowed the pool to the Trek Emonda and the Deft Advanced 2. Same price but the Giant does seem to offer quite a bit more value. It has the full Shimano 105 group and mechanical TRP*Spyre*C 160mm disk brakes as opposed to regular brakes. Ony issue is I cant actually find one to test ride.
Has anyone here purchased a bike without actually trying it out? I really think the Giant is probably the bike I want but a bit hesitant as I cant refuse the special order.
One more question... The prices the shops have given me on these bikes is the MSRP. Do bike shops negotiate price at all? If so how much wiggle room do I have?