RoboCheme

Whenever anyone asks for advice from BF on selecting a bike, the first piece of advice is always "ride all of them and pick the one you like best.".

Is this really an option if you're buying a high-end, non-custom bike?

Three years ago when I bought my Giant and today, when I'm looking to upgrade, the situation is still the same. The LBS has very limited selection; they may or may not have the model that I'm interested in or it's in the wrong size. So, it's very unlikely that I can walk in and test ride what I'm after.

Of course, they are willing to order one and equip it the way I want so that I test ride it, but I just don't feel comfortable asking three or four shops to put together bikes when there's only a small chance that I will buy there. So, I've recently picked out one bike based on reputation, reviews, comments, and looks and I've asked them to order it for me. Hopefully, it rides awesome and I'll happily buy it.

I guess a parallel situation is when you guys buy just the frame and build it up. It's too late to take it for a test ride at that point.

So, is selecting a high-end bike based on several different test rides really an option?

So how did you select that (Orca, Cervelo, Colnago, Pinarello, etc)?

BananaTugger

Ride everything that fits.

johnny99

If the bike is from a major brand, they will probably use the same geometry in some of their cheaper models as well. Test ride those to see how well the geometry matches your body and riding style. Then you have to guess at the value and performance of the additional features of the higher end bike (lighter weight, better components, stiffer frame, etc.). Reading lots of reviews and talking to friends with similar bikes helps a lot.

Or you could drive to the visit big city where there will probably be a wider selection of bicycles. Call around to see who has what in stock. If you're going to drop $10K (or whatever) on a bike, spending a few days to research it isn't that big a price.

subframe

if you're in Moraga, just ride over to Orinda BART and come in to SF, there are a LOT of good shops over here, you could ride almost anything you're looking for, I'd imagine.

Or shoot, just take BART to Berkeley, that's even closer and there are plenty of good shops there too.

sstorkel

Sounds like you need to find a LBS that caters to the high-end market. There's a shop near me in a high-rent district that stocks Look, BMC, Seven, Independent Fabrication, and other high-end bikes...

kudude

What are you looking to buy? I didn't see you were in Moraga until it was pointed out, but you are a short jaunt from quite a few boutique-esque shops.
lots of guys would kill to be able to walk into this joint:
https://www.wrenchscience.com

dsilver668

I would say look on the internet for the bike that grabs you. Look at list, and options that come with it. If it looks like it is the one you want then searchout autorized dealers, and call them to schedule a test ride. Bring your pedals and shoes...

erliuic

That place is right by where I live but I've never been. Any thoughts?

umd

Once you've ridden enough, you get a sense of what you need, as far as geometry, stiffness, etc. You can then compare what you are interested in to your current bike, both by reputation and specification. Also, it helps to talk to people with the bikes you are interested in. Even better if they are also familar with a common point of reference to you (i.e. your current bike, or a different bike you have both ride).

SoreFeet

Fit/geometry is most important...Do you want a racer? or a club rider? Racer will put you in the dominate drop bar competitive stance...Club racer can have the best of both worlds with some compromise in wind drag.

Touring frame geometry is my personal favorite. On a long bumpy road the wheel base of Caddy is nice to soak up some bumpy roads.

A high end bike is not found in Carbon or Aluminum...Only steel!

The most disturbing aspect of buying a high end bike is the boutique once size fits all sm/m/lg/xl

If you search high and low you can find vintage bikes with lots of different geometry.

Take part of your budget and buy tools...This way when you build your new bike you will have a great sense of pride.

Building a testors model in a box is about as complicated as assembling a complete bicycle. A high end bike should feature a hand built set of wheels.

A properly stressed wheell is going to survive most impacts. Adding a new spoke after a few decades will be a pleasure

umd

Whatever dude. A high end bike can be made of any material, including Carbon. Some bikes are available in xs/s/m/l/xl, but many (most?) are still available in standard 2cm increments.

vic32amg

Steel usually will net you the biggest profit margin so most cases excluding some ART bikes steel is a great way for us shops to make a killing. sorefeet PLEASE buy steel. please.

BarryJo

I have to agree with the above, and the other advice UMD gave:
"Once you've ridden enough, you get a sense of what you need, as far as geometry, stiffness, etc. You can then compare what you are interested in to your current bike, both by reputation and specification. Also, it helps to talk to people with the bikes you are interested in. Even better if they are also familar with a common point of reference to you (i.e. your current bike, or a different bike you have both ride)."

My opinion is, and I've been caught in this trap too, too many men want an agressive frame when a comfort frame would be a better choice for them. Who wants to show up on their tuesday night ride on a "plush bike" with a raised stem? But I love my Roubaix, it's a great bike for my lower back after a couple days of riding the Caad9.

So what bike did you end up chosing?

paul_858

www.competitivecyclist.com

Rent a bike

Tourmalet

You walk into a fancy bike shop, whip out your credit card, and buy whatever high end bike they recommend, without proper fitting or a test ride.

Or not. But it happens all the time.

Matt888

My name is a Borat. I like a sun bake, play a the ping pong and tom take a picture of the girl make a the toilet.

umd

Me? I got a Tarmac SL.

BarryJo

I know, I've seen all the pictures of you racing - I agree, I love that bike. I wish I could ride one, but I can not get my body in the drops like that for extended periods of time. I need a true 53cm tt which is difficult to find.

But that didn't stop me from going out this weekend and buying an 07 Giant TCR advanced. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse

caloso

My buddy has that exact same Tarmac SL. It's a beautiful bike. I envy him greatly.

umd

I envy all the people people popping up on the matte black SL2s

ericm979

Don't you just hate it when the guy in the peloton next to you has the same model of bike?

BillyD

Those aren't high-end bikes, pal. Those are johnny-come-lately, highly combustible, hollywood OCP show bikes. They'll be in fashion for the next couple years, maybe, and then "poof" they'll be gone.

You want a high end bike you're talkin' Moots, Merlin, Seven, Serotta, IF and so on . . . . something that will hold it's value and style and last you a while.



[BillyD grabs his helmet, popcorn & beer and dives into the bunker as the first shells start whistling overhead].

mloywhite

I drive a lot with work, so I stop in all the bike shops I can find. I had seen the 2007 Orbea Orca in magazine ads, and found a shop about 100 miles from here that had them. I rode one, primarily to get a good idea about fit, and the size to buy. I then got my lbs to get in touch with Orbea, they signed up with them to sell their bikes, and ordered my frame.

bigtea

You want a high end bike? Call Lynsky, Litespeed, Seven, Moots, or Serotta and just talk to them about something in brushed titanium. They'll send you to a local shop for measurements and you'll have a dream bike that will last for a lot longer than 3 years. Oh, by the way, make sure your credit card has a high limit.

kudude

You're suggesting to just get measured, then drop $5-$8k on a Ti bike?

The whole point here is that the OP wants to RIDE bikes to decide for himself what is good. Maybe he'll like Ti, steel or even :gasp: carbon fiber (which will last more than 3 years, thanks).

I already suggested one shop in his area that specializes in high end bikes. He didn't want to have small shops order expensive bikes that he's likely not going to buy, which is very courteous of him, even though he could have taken advantage. Anyway, OP, try to narrow down what you want, or just ride as many cheap and expensive bikes in your size that you can get your hands on, then you can narrow from there. At that point you may have to drive a bit to ride the bikes you're interested in, and should, because it's your money.