Originally Posted by
raqball
Just about every LBS I have ever been to will let you take extended rides. They should want you to be happy and make the right choice so it shouldn't be a problem.
Free services or accessories? At the price point you are at, limited to none. Some LBS's will offer a 10-20% discount off accessories when a new bike is purchased. Some shops also offer after the purchase maintenance like free tune-ups for a year or for the lifetime of the bike. These vary by LBS so best to ask ahead of time. My favorite LBS offer free lifetime tune up.
An aluminum fork is going to brutal especially on longer rides.
Gotcha. Ill ask, but seems to me that this thread has steered me in the right direction. As much as I liked the Escape 2, it seems this would really liomit me on rail trails. I like to Bike the Lehigh Gorge which can be upwards of 60mi roundtrip so Id imagine it be torture on a 32mm with alu fork.
Think im going with the Cdale. Will update with pics when the deed is done. Can always replace the stock Kendas with better tires when they wear out. I think the cromoly fork is a good compromise in weight and comfort. Cant wait to get riding again