ace
02-11-2007, 02:54 PM
Aieeee! I think I'm finally making the plunge from hybrid to road bike. I went to my lovely lbs today and spent 2 hours with one of the guys (let's call him "Ian," because that is in fact his name), getting measured, talking about how I'm going to use this bike, testing out different setups/saddles/etc. on a Serotta fitting bike thing. Wow, how incredibly complicated. I'm 5'4, quite overweight, carpal tunnel in my hands, long legs, some low back problems, so it's complicated. We tried a few different shifting systems to see how they felt on my hands, Campys, Shimano and some rapid-fire system. The Campys definitely felt like they were easier on my hands.
So after 3,000 measurements were plugged into a spreadsheet, we're thinking I might do a lot better with a custom frame, but we'll see. He thinks some stock frames would work, but there would be a lot of adjustments.
Anyway, part two will be next week, when I'm going back to take a few bikes out on the road to test so I can see the difference between steel/ti/carbon, because at this point it's all theory to me. I think I'm looking at Serrottas mostly, and also Trek. I imagine if I have to go to a custom frame, I'll get steel cause there's no way I can afford custom carbon, even if I wanted it (I don't think I do- carbon scares me).
I really love these guys- they are willing to endlessly explain stuff to me and never make me feel dumb. Plus, the owner weighs about 300 lbs, and is a great cyclist (I've ridden with him), so he knows some of the issues of being a big girl on a bike (namely, being afraid your bike will smash to bits while your riding it, and your spokes will pop). Plus I went for two fittings there when I went clipless 'cause my knees and feet were killing me, and they very patiently strategized and adjusted me until I could ride pain free.
EEEEE. I'm so excited! Thanks for being there.....I don't really have any riding friends around here to share this with, and it's a big leap for me.
So after 3,000 measurements were plugged into a spreadsheet, we're thinking I might do a lot better with a custom frame, but we'll see. He thinks some stock frames would work, but there would be a lot of adjustments.
Anyway, part two will be next week, when I'm going back to take a few bikes out on the road to test so I can see the difference between steel/ti/carbon, because at this point it's all theory to me. I think I'm looking at Serrottas mostly, and also Trek. I imagine if I have to go to a custom frame, I'll get steel cause there's no way I can afford custom carbon, even if I wanted it (I don't think I do- carbon scares me).
I really love these guys- they are willing to endlessly explain stuff to me and never make me feel dumb. Plus, the owner weighs about 300 lbs, and is a great cyclist (I've ridden with him), so he knows some of the issues of being a big girl on a bike (namely, being afraid your bike will smash to bits while your riding it, and your spokes will pop). Plus I went for two fittings there when I went clipless 'cause my knees and feet were killing me, and they very patiently strategized and adjusted me until I could ride pain free.
EEEEE. I'm so excited! Thanks for being there.....I don't really have any riding friends around here to share this with, and it's a big leap for me.