Test riding a bike
12-30-18, 07:54 AM
#26
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You know you like to ride.
You have never had anything new of your own.
You want this bike to last.
You have suggested you can afford to break the budget.
Carefully break the budget, you won’t regret it. To me, a $750 bike would be more like a trial bike. Do I like riding? What kind of riding do I want to do? How much will I ride? Then you step up. Seems you mostly have those questions answered so I would treat yourself and go for a keeper. Generally, I believe if I know I am going to use something a lot, it is almost always worth it to get the best quality I can afford.
You have never had anything new of your own.
You want this bike to last.
You have suggested you can afford to break the budget.
Carefully break the budget, you won’t regret it. To me, a $750 bike would be more like a trial bike. Do I like riding? What kind of riding do I want to do? How much will I ride? Then you step up. Seems you mostly have those questions answered so I would treat yourself and go for a keeper. Generally, I believe if I know I am going to use something a lot, it is almost always worth it to get the best quality I can afford.
12-30-18, 08:14 AM
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Wow, looking at the picture leaves me thinking several things.
First, changing to a well-fitted drop bar bike is going to be a significant change. You're going from sitting on a pillow, and sitting up tall, to a forward posture that's meant to increase your pedaling efficiency. That means you can expect to (a) carry a lot more weight on you legs, and some more on your hands,rather than your tush, and (b) move a lot faster. That latter means you may end up out-running and then waiting for your husband, which might cause some problems on his own.
In my book, the main benefits of the drop bar bike are (1) more places to put your hands, which will help a lot on longer, multi-hour rides; (2) once you get down in the drops, you aerodynamics improve a lot, good for riding faster and for riding against a headwind; and (3) generally lower rolling friction, which helps you ride faster, again.
With a 33" inseam, I do wonder how well you'll fit a 54 cm bike. I ride a 63 cm with a 34" inseam. It might push your budget some more, but you might want to look for a woman-specific bike, either a Trek WSD (if they haven't slid off the model merry-go-round by now) or a Terry. Either would have a shorter reach to the bars for a given frame size.
I'm going to suggest a quill stem for easier height adjustment. If you get a Nitto Technomic stem, you can start off with the bars way up, and then, as you get used to the drop bar posture, lower them gradually.
Finally, a 5 mile test ride is not overkill. Leave them a credit card, or take a salesman with you, but try riding the bike at least 2-3 miles. You won't get a good idea of what it's like to ride the bike just around the parking lot. Now having said that, I did on the word of the bike shop owner several decades ago, and haven't really looked back. But I was young, foolish, and flexible, and I loved having 10 speeds on the LeTour instead of 3.
First, changing to a well-fitted drop bar bike is going to be a significant change. You're going from sitting on a pillow, and sitting up tall, to a forward posture that's meant to increase your pedaling efficiency. That means you can expect to (a) carry a lot more weight on you legs, and some more on your hands,rather than your tush, and (b) move a lot faster. That latter means you may end up out-running and then waiting for your husband, which might cause some problems on his own.
In my book, the main benefits of the drop bar bike are (1) more places to put your hands, which will help a lot on longer, multi-hour rides; (2) once you get down in the drops, you aerodynamics improve a lot, good for riding faster and for riding against a headwind; and (3) generally lower rolling friction, which helps you ride faster, again.
With a 33" inseam, I do wonder how well you'll fit a 54 cm bike. I ride a 63 cm with a 34" inseam. It might push your budget some more, but you might want to look for a woman-specific bike, either a Trek WSD (if they haven't slid off the model merry-go-round by now) or a Terry. Either would have a shorter reach to the bars for a given frame size.
I'm going to suggest a quill stem for easier height adjustment. If you get a Nitto Technomic stem, you can start off with the bars way up, and then, as you get used to the drop bar posture, lower them gradually.
Finally, a 5 mile test ride is not overkill. Leave them a credit card, or take a salesman with you, but try riding the bike at least 2-3 miles. You won't get a good idea of what it's like to ride the bike just around the parking lot. Now having said that, I did on the word of the bike shop owner several decades ago, and haven't really looked back. But I was young, foolish, and flexible, and I loved having 10 speeds on the LeTour instead of 3.
12-30-18, 08:46 AM
#28
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I'm not a brand fan but you might want to look at the Specialized Diverge line to see if anything tickles your fancy ... For the kind of money you will be spending, they must let you be in the saddle for at least an hour, otherwise you will know little about fit ...
Try renting some bikes locally. Cheap enough and you can have a lot more time in the saddle.
Diverge
Try renting some bikes locally. Cheap enough and you can have a lot more time in the saddle.
Diverge
Last edited by BrocLuno; 12-30-18 at 09:00 AM.
12-30-18, 08:47 AM
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Test riding is one of those "empty spots" in the retail bike business.
I think its about the way bikes are sold and the price it costs to the consumer.
Try thinking about the "ideal test ride" scenarios. Put yourself in the position of the local bike shop operator (not necessarily the owner).
Pretty soon the consumer will want to get technical and request an even higher standard of service at zero cost to the consumer.
I think its about the way bikes are sold and the price it costs to the consumer.
Try thinking about the "ideal test ride" scenarios. Put yourself in the position of the local bike shop operator (not necessarily the owner).
Pretty soon the consumer will want to get technical and request an even higher standard of service at zero cost to the consumer.
12-30-18, 09:33 AM
#30
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I'm not a brand fan but you might want to look at the Specialized Diverge line to see if anything tickles your fancy ... For the kind of money you will be spending, they must let you be in the saddle for at least an hour, otherwise you will know little about fit ...
Try renting some bikes locally. Cheap enough and you can have a lot more time in the saddle.
Diverge
Try renting some bikes locally. Cheap enough and you can have a lot more time in the saddle.
Diverge
12-30-18, 09:42 AM
#31
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I like steel and level top tubes so that limits my choices,, but that is because I am a Luddite.. There are two different paths to take at least..
Buy a new bike in the 750 range knowing that either the frame or the components will be adequate at best. I always go for the best frame I can get because as the so-so components wear out you have a frame worth putting better stuff on. I will also look for a wider gear range so as to deal with hills easier and a bike that will take 38 mm tires and hopefully fenders as well. You can always put narrower tires on such a bike but being limited to 28 mm, for example, means gravel roads and dirt paths will be more difficult.
Get a quality used bike and trade the newness for better components and frame. The downside of this is you may not have enough experience to identify what a quality bike and components are, nor be able to assess its condition. If your circle of friends includes someone who can perhaps they would be willing to help.
These chilly winter months are ideal for doing a little research and test driving as many different bikes as you can, maybe keeping a notebook to consult later as they can all blur together. I would respectfully suggest reading a blog called "Lovely Bicycle" written by a lady who went from being very new new to all things bicycle to owning and riding many bicycles, and even building her own frame. In simple, everyday language she discusses all kinds of things, including clothing, dealing with the weather, developing speed and strength as a rider and evaluating many kinds of bikes.
At the end of the day, though, being comfortable on your bike is what will keep you riding. I would rather ride a low end bike that fit perfectly and with everything working than a far lighter high end bike which wasn't the ride size or riding position. Good Luck!
Buy a new bike in the 750 range knowing that either the frame or the components will be adequate at best. I always go for the best frame I can get because as the so-so components wear out you have a frame worth putting better stuff on. I will also look for a wider gear range so as to deal with hills easier and a bike that will take 38 mm tires and hopefully fenders as well. You can always put narrower tires on such a bike but being limited to 28 mm, for example, means gravel roads and dirt paths will be more difficult.
Get a quality used bike and trade the newness for better components and frame. The downside of this is you may not have enough experience to identify what a quality bike and components are, nor be able to assess its condition. If your circle of friends includes someone who can perhaps they would be willing to help.
These chilly winter months are ideal for doing a little research and test driving as many different bikes as you can, maybe keeping a notebook to consult later as they can all blur together. I would respectfully suggest reading a blog called "Lovely Bicycle" written by a lady who went from being very new new to all things bicycle to owning and riding many bicycles, and even building her own frame. In simple, everyday language she discusses all kinds of things, including clothing, dealing with the weather, developing speed and strength as a rider and evaluating many kinds of bikes.
At the end of the day, though, being comfortable on your bike is what will keep you riding. I would rather ride a low end bike that fit perfectly and with everything working than a far lighter high end bike which wasn't the ride size or riding position. Good Luck!
Last edited by 12boy; 12-30-18 at 09:56 AM.
12-30-18, 10:19 AM
#32
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Are you going to ride dirt roads or light trails, or stick to paved surfaces? If it's going to be pavement, I'd say go for an endurance road bike.
I'm not a big fan of the idea of an "all arounder" . I have the original "all arounder", a rigid frame mtn bike with roadish tires, I only use it to ride myself back into shape when I need to, and then switch to my dedicated roadies.
Fwiw, any road bike can handle a dirt road, even more so now that new tire standards are going bit wider.
I'm not a big fan of the idea of an "all arounder" . I have the original "all arounder", a rigid frame mtn bike with roadish tires, I only use it to ride myself back into shape when I need to, and then switch to my dedicated roadies.
Fwiw, any road bike can handle a dirt road, even more so now that new tire standards are going bit wider.
12-30-18, 10:31 AM
#33
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My wife had a bike real similar to the one you have, she bought it new really thought she liked it Got it home and maybe rode it five times this past summer and sez maybe riding a bike isn't for her. I got on it a few weeks ago and to be honest, I felt like I was peddling a bus, it was miserable to ride. She couldn't maintain 5 mph for three miles, and was completely wore out. I picked up a new to me Giant mtb around Thanksgiving of which I took a little grief for. Anyway she jumped on it a couple weeks ago and I was on my Trek DS. As she pulled out the driveway she took off and I kind of took my time as usual thinking I can catch up with her Well as it turns out I catch up with her but it took me quite a while to get caught up She didn't even know she was going over twice as fast as her normal pace of her bike.
We went and talked to the bike shop that we got her bike from and they put her on the smaller frame size of the Giant mtb of mine.. They were awesome they let her ride that bike and a couple others .Me, they had me on a Surly Wednesday and a Giant Trance FS knowing full well I wasn't even looking for myself. She settled on the Giant ATX loves it and has put a few miles on it since.
Anyway my point is that it appears to me that any bike you choose from a MTB to a road bike is going to be a lot more fun comfortable and faster than the one you currently have. Enjoy your adventure and happy bike shopping I even had a blast as my wife shopped for her new bike, thanks to the great bike shop ....
We went and talked to the bike shop that we got her bike from and they put her on the smaller frame size of the Giant mtb of mine.. They were awesome they let her ride that bike and a couple others .Me, they had me on a Surly Wednesday and a Giant Trance FS knowing full well I wasn't even looking for myself. She settled on the Giant ATX loves it and has put a few miles on it since.
Anyway my point is that it appears to me that any bike you choose from a MTB to a road bike is going to be a lot more fun comfortable and faster than the one you currently have. Enjoy your adventure and happy bike shopping I even had a blast as my wife shopped for her new bike, thanks to the great bike shop ....
12-30-18, 12:20 PM
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Thank you. The shop where I have the gift card sells Trek and Specialized so it will be one of those two brands. I'm not nuts about the color of the Checkpoint. (Not a deal breaker but with all else being equal, I'm going to get a color I like). The Diverge line seemed to have better color choices. I'll find a location with it in stock. The store closest to me doesn't show up in the search. The Boston branch has it but I'm terrified to ride in the city so I could never get a good test ride there.
And I agree with 308 ... The old bike, even with a full tune and lube would be like driving a pick-up at least, or maybe a 1-ton ...
12-30-18, 03:51 PM
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If they have to order it in anyway (after you find your sweet spot), get the colors you want. This is semi-serious money. Do not compromise on what you find important. Seats and bars are easy to change. Color is not ...
And I agree with 308 ... The old bike, even with a full tune and lube would be like driving a pick-up at least, or maybe a 1-ton ...
And I agree with 308 ... The old bike, even with a full tune and lube would be like driving a pick-up at least, or maybe a 1-ton ...
01-01-19, 10:02 PM
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Ummm, maybe not ... The Specialized I got is different from any Trek I own (5). Should have been complementary to teh 6000, but it's quite a bit different fit and feel. I'd go try one somewhere to see if that holds true for you ...
01-02-19, 03:59 PM
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I'm certainly not going to buy without riding it first. I need to find it in stock though. The only place that has it in stock is downtown Boston and there's no way I'm going on a test ride there. And I have to get it from this particular shop (which has multiple locations) because I have the gift card. I'm not going to have an unaffiliated shop set it up for me to ride so I can then go order it from the store I have the gift card for.
01-02-19, 09:33 PM
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I'd go to the Boston store with my tape measure and a note pad. They'll certainly let you sit on one, and they may have a stationary trainer they can slip the bike into so you can pedal and play with saddle height, etc. Get a feel of it.
If it's all wrong, you will know you are headed to Trek ... If it feels good, then you can take your notes home and ponder a bit. Think about what you liked. That is important in looking at the opposing Trek models.
Go to your local bike shop with your notes in hand and tell them to get a sample for you with whatever you want. They know you are serious. Offer a $50 deposit with remainder based on final acceptance. There is a small chance you'll loose your $50 if they screw up, but prolly not, because you will know what you want.
The Boston store deals with the curious and tire kickers all the time. If they are professional, they will accommodate you to win you over. Just don't open your purse. Tell them your are still taking notes and thinking about things (your are) ... This is not a trivial decision. They understand folks who look and ponder
Our local bike shop has a stationary trainer and they will put any bike in it in 10 minutes. They do it all the time for weekenders who may buy some place else ... It's part of the business.
If it's all wrong, you will know you are headed to Trek ... If it feels good, then you can take your notes home and ponder a bit. Think about what you liked. That is important in looking at the opposing Trek models.
Go to your local bike shop with your notes in hand and tell them to get a sample for you with whatever you want. They know you are serious. Offer a $50 deposit with remainder based on final acceptance. There is a small chance you'll loose your $50 if they screw up, but prolly not, because you will know what you want.
The Boston store deals with the curious and tire kickers all the time. If they are professional, they will accommodate you to win you over. Just don't open your purse. Tell them your are still taking notes and thinking about things (your are) ... This is not a trivial decision. They understand folks who look and ponder
Our local bike shop has a stationary trainer and they will put any bike in it in 10 minutes. They do it all the time for weekenders who may buy some place else ... It's part of the business.
03-15-19, 12:11 PM
#40
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Updating my old thread. It's 60° in Boston today. I had the day off and decided to get serious about finding my new bike. The shop closest to my house didn't have much inventory but they identified something they thought would suit me at another location. Perfect place fora test ride! I wasn't on the bike long but did ride a big hill. Probably bigger than most I will encounter. Made it up! Had a blast going down. And the disk brakes have me confidence on the decent - especially after the rain earlier. I even got the bike dirty! And it's on sale. So for just a little over my budget, I'm getting a much better bike.
The guy in the shop last time was pushing the gravel bikes. The women today both thought I would prefer a road bike if I don't go off road much. So I will soon be the owner of a brand new Specialized Ruby Sport. Carbon for only $200 more than the Checkpoint I was looking at before. And it can take bigger tires if I actually want to ride gravel.
They're sending it to my local shop. They have to swap out a collar that's under recall before they can let it ot the door. Should have it in time for when the weather gets nice.
So light I can lift it with one hand.
The guy in the shop last time was pushing the gravel bikes. The women today both thought I would prefer a road bike if I don't go off road much. So I will soon be the owner of a brand new Specialized Ruby Sport. Carbon for only $200 more than the Checkpoint I was looking at before. And it can take bigger tires if I actually want to ride gravel.
They're sending it to my local shop. They have to swap out a collar that's under recall before they can let it ot the door. Should have it in time for when the weather gets nice.
So light I can lift it with one hand.
03-15-19, 10:32 PM
#43
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Updating my old thread. It's 60° in Boston today. I had the day off and decided to get serious about finding my new bike. The shop closest to my house didn't have much inventory but they identified something they thought would suit me at another location. Perfect place fora test ride! I wasn't on the bike long but did ride a big hill. Probably bigger than most I will encounter. Made it up! Had a blast going down. And the disk brakes have me confidence on the decent - especially after the rain earlier. I even got the bike dirty! And it's on sale. So for just a little over my budget, I'm getting a much better bike.
The guy in the shop last time was pushing the gravel bikes. The women today both thought I would prefer a road bike if I don't go off road much. So I will soon be the owner of a brand new Specialized Ruby Sport. Carbon for only $200 more than the Checkpoint I was looking at before. And it can take bigger tires if I actually want to ride gravel.
They're sending it to my local shop. They have to swap out a collar that's under recall before they can let it ot the door. Should have it in time for when the weather gets nice.
So light I can lift it with one hand.
The guy in the shop last time was pushing the gravel bikes. The women today both thought I would prefer a road bike if I don't go off road much. So I will soon be the owner of a brand new Specialized Ruby Sport. Carbon for only $200 more than the Checkpoint I was looking at before. And it can take bigger tires if I actually want to ride gravel.
They're sending it to my local shop. They have to swap out a collar that's under recall before they can let it ot the door. Should have it in time for when the weather gets nice.
So light I can lift it with one hand.
Your neck of the woods has some pretty great road/path riding. Looks like a really good choice for you.
You going to trick it out?
03-15-19, 11:19 PM
#44
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Test riding a bike
I just noticed that the OP of this thread is from December. As an experienced cyclist (IMO), I have found that I make my decision just on the basis of a parking lot test ride, with excellent advice from my shop. Indeed,
So while I note you have made your decision, I wanted nonetheless to reply about my experience, FWIW, perhaps relevant to others.
Seeing that you post from Easton MA. I would have recommend my LBS, Back Bay Bikes in Boston and Natick, or Landry’s, with four locations including Norwood.
What is the best way to test out a new bike? I got a gift card to my LBS from Santa to get a new bike. I rode loops around the parking lot on a couple different models, but doesn't seem like much of a test.
After all, the parking lot is perfectly flat. How do I test out the gearing when I only need one gear in the parking lot?
After all, the parking lot is perfectly flat. How do I test out the gearing when I only need one gear in the parking lot?
The benefits you would get would be quite modest, but they are real. That said, it's really an economic and philosophical decision that you should decide for yourself.
My advice is to go to the LBS and test-ride a few bikes that fit your budget and decide what's right for you.
….
My advice is to go to the LBS and test-ride a few bikes that fit your budget and decide what's right for you.
….
…For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, costing about $650 down from about $800 as an end-of-year model when I bought it in the early 1980’s. I came to learn it was considered a classic.
After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off…
Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me…
After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off…
Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me…
Seeing that you post from Easton MA. I would have recommend my LBS, Back Bay Bikes in Boston and Natick, or Landry’s, with four locations including Norwood.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 03-16-19 at 10:49 AM.
03-16-19, 11:36 AM
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@NomarsGirl , I can’t resist posting off-topic about two memorable rides I have done there, FYA:
and
Snuck out this morning for an,almost half century. Oh how I love living in the suburbs...just point your bike away from the city and you've got hours of beautiful riding...
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/87009131
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/87009131
I live in Kenmore Square in downtown Boston and reverse commute out to Norwood over routes …
This weekend was the third long ride of my 10 week Century training schedule. I rode down Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester through Quincy, where I often get lost, and found a great route down Route 37 to Brockton; then on Oak and Pearl streets in Brockton to North Easton.
From mtalinm ’s map our rides converged in North Easton on Lincoln to Allen, and onto Rockland and Maple, but then diverged at East Street.
That was a great segment. Did you note the architecturally charming Veteran’s post (I can’t remember which organization) at Rockland and Allen, with the military tank outside? Though I have seen it coming down Rockland, I almost missed it coming on Allen.
I then went through Foxboro, Sharon (on Moose Hill Street) and then on to Walpole and Norwood…
This weekend was the third long ride of my 10 week Century training schedule. I rode down Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester through Quincy, where I often get lost, and found a great route down Route 37 to Brockton; then on Oak and Pearl streets in Brockton to North Easton.
From mtalinm ’s map our rides converged in North Easton on Lincoln to Allen, and onto Rockland and Maple, but then diverged at East Street.
That was a great segment. Did you note the architecturally charming Veteran’s post (I can’t remember which organization) at Rockland and Allen, with the military tank outside? Though I have seen it coming down Rockland, I almost missed it coming on Allen.
I then went through Foxboro, Sharon (on Moose Hill Street) and then on to Walpole and Norwood…
…To stay within my defined perimeter I did an L-shaped ride from Norwood through Canton to Braintree; back to Canton; South to Easton, and back to Norwood through Foxboro and Walpole…
As I crossed Rte 138, the Canton Turnpike, I decided to abandon a peaceful residential route for the heavily-traveled, high speed, busy commercial, semi-industrial, bill-boarded Turnpike; all for the sake of novelty, since I had never ridden that segment south of Canton before. …
Actually it was not bad because Saturday morning traffic was light, and there was an approximate 6-foot wide paved shoulder. South of the pictured intersection, Rte 138 became more residential, and exurban, and I even passed a cornfield on the way to Easton.
I had ridden a bit in Easton before but this time I realized what a rustic gem it is; in my mind actually evocative of New Hampshire. In the small virtual hamlet center of North Easton was a collection of some restored Romanesque buildings part of the restoration of the Ames Shovel Works.
A usual landmark on my previous treks in Easton is this VFW Hall with cupola, and the tank out back. About a month ago while admiring it I hit the curb and fell of the bike skinning my knee, but no scratches on the bike….
As I crossed Rte 138, the Canton Turnpike, I decided to abandon a peaceful residential route for the heavily-traveled, high speed, busy commercial, semi-industrial, bill-boarded Turnpike; all for the sake of novelty, since I had never ridden that segment south of Canton before. …
Actually it was not bad because Saturday morning traffic was light, and there was an approximate 6-foot wide paved shoulder. South of the pictured intersection, Rte 138 became more residential, and exurban, and I even passed a cornfield on the way to Easton.
I had ridden a bit in Easton before but this time I realized what a rustic gem it is; in my mind actually evocative of New Hampshire. In the small virtual hamlet center of North Easton was a collection of some restored Romanesque buildings part of the restoration of the Ames Shovel Works.
Originally Posted by "History of the Ames Shovel Works Company“
For most of the company’s history, it occupied the Ames Shovel Works in Easton,Massachusetts, where it rose to national prominence and eventually controlled 60% the US shovel market.
Along the way it pioneered the concept of mass production, helped build virtually every major public works project in America, became one of the first companies to operate on a global scale, and brought the Ames family to nationa lprominence.
Now the site, generally regarded to be one of the country’s best remaining connections to the history of American industrialization, is being threatened with demolition.
In recognition of both its great national importance and its precarious future, the Shovel Works have been listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2009 list of America's most endangered historic places….
Along the way it pioneered the concept of mass production, helped build virtually every major public works project in America, became one of the first companies to operate on a global scale, and brought the Ames family to nationa lprominence.
Now the site, generally regarded to be one of the country’s best remaining connections to the history of American industrialization, is being threatened with demolition.
In recognition of both its great national importance and its precarious future, the Shovel Works have been listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2009 list of America's most endangered historic places….
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 03-16-19 at 12:52 PM.
03-16-19, 03:48 PM
#46
Senior Member
It was great reading this thread. You took your time to find the right bike for you and that’s so awesome. I hope it will treat you well!
03-16-19, 06:46 PM
#47
Full Member
I would pick a price range and ride as many bikes as can be found in that range, even if you have to go to other towns. Write down what you like or dislike about each one and then go back to your lbs and see if they can set one up with those features. A frame that fits can have gearing, saddle, handle bar/stem and tire changes all of which can make it feel very different. I would look at women's saddles as well if you have never tried one. While the weather is still crap you should be able to get as much time and attention as you want. It's your damn money so get what you want in terms of those interchangeable things I have mentioned. If I were buying a new bike I would seriously consider looking at the Velo Orange line, but I am a confirmed level top tube steel frame loving Luddite. Good luck and I hope you wil end up with a bike that brings a smile to your face everytime you ride it.
03-17-19, 07:42 AM
#48
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Join Date: Oct 2017
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The Newton store is sending it to Norwood. I didn't have the rack on my car to take it home that day. Running down to Norwood today to give them a deposit so they don't sell her on me.
There is a recall on a collar related to the future shock. They have to replace it before I can take her home.
Nice pics of my hometown! I am very lucky to have scenic places to ride leaving from my driveway. If I head out towards Sharon, there's a loop ride around the lake and a good places for coffee or ice cream. Lots of cyclists around here.
Last edited by NomarsGirl; 03-17-19 at 10:24 AM.
03-17-19, 06:47 PM
#49
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Join Date: Dec 2009
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hey JFB, I now work in Kenmore Square so now we have perfectly opposing commutes. maybe we will be going the same direction at the same time one of these days...
03-17-19, 10:15 PM
#50
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I would pick a price range and ride as many bikes as can be found in that range, even if you have to go to other towns. Write down what you like or dislike about each one and then go back to your lbs and see if they can set one up with those features. ...
It's your damn money so get what you want in terms of those interchangeable things I have mentioned.
It's your damn money so get what you want in terms of those interchangeable things I have mentioned.
...My shopping strategy for something important is to look at the high end (expensive) models first, just to know what’s available and then whittle downwards to find what’s acceptable, the so-called sweet spot of price/value.
I’ve participated in several popcorn threads on BF about the value of “expensive” bikes (I have one), and my last word is "At least I have no buyer's remorse about what I may be missing."
.
I’ve participated in several popcorn threads on BF about the value of “expensive” bikes (I have one), and my last word is "At least I have no buyer's remorse about what I may be missing."
.Whenever I’m asked about buying a bike my questions are what do you want it for, and how much to spend?
IMO bikes of similar quality by brand names stratify in groups of about approximately $US 200 intervals [up about $1500-2000, then the price interval spreads widen.]
IMO bikes of similar quality by brand names stratify in groups of about approximately $US 200 intervals [up about $1500-2000, then the price interval spreads widen.]