overwhelmed. Bianchi?LeMonde?Trek?

[aly]

Sorry this is so long (and I know you all have read this same stuff before), but I'm overwhelmed and need help.

I am brand new to road biking. After talking about it for months, my boyfriend and I have decided to jump in, buy bikes and ride. For him, it has been easy. He basically picked out a bike before we even started looking. He rode it and one other in the first store and was done. I fit/feel best on a 49 or 47 wsd. However, not many stores have many in stock for me to try. After much looking and some test riding, I've narrowed it down to Trek 1600, Bianchi Eros Donna, and LeMond Tourmalet. I'm going to do another test ride on each, but just wanted some general feedback.

I know I need to find one I'm comfortable on and that fits, but it's hard to decide which fits best when you don't know what a good fit should feel like or what your preferences are. I've been measured, but they just used that for a plug in to find the best sized frame. Should I feel a little stretch initially or no? Can't most of this be tweaked later?

Our plans are to go into the local canyons, so we'll be doing some distance and a decent amount of climbing. I may end up wanting to race and do longer rides with a local bike club. I want a bike that I'll be happy with for a couple of years (I don't want to go strict beginner's level and then wish I had spent up a little).

The Trek and LeMond both have Shimano 105 while the Bianchi has Campy Mirage. My boyfriend seems to think the components on the Bianchi aren't as good and the bike is more expensive (the Trek is on sale for $1040, the Lemond is on sale for $980 and the Bianchi is $1299). However, I love the woman who helped me at the Bianchi store and she highly recommended the steel frame for the smaller bike. She also thought I would like the Campy over the Shimano.

I actually haven't even been on the Bianchi yet, but I felt like the saleswoman (who was a similar size and a very experienced rider) knew what I needed. She also said that they would trade out the saddle if I wasn't happy with the one it comes with. It just seems like an excellent store to work with. However, the people at the other store, where my boyfriend is buying, are also very helpful, and they are reluctantly ordering the Lemond for me to try on the assumption that I'll also buy (I'll at least buy some gear...).

I'm just so confused and my boyfriend is ready to strangle me... Anyone have any advice?

[salsabike]

Don't buy anything till you're good and ready and happy with your choice. A lot can be tweaked, but not everything, so you really do want to start with a bike that fits well. Proper fit really matters. There's a plus to having a woman cyclist about your size helping you pick, I think. Ask her what OTHER brands she might recommend, to see if she's able to discuss bikes beyond Bianchis.

I have a Bianchi Eros Donna and absolutely love it. But that's not the point--point is, do more test riding, search on some threads here for fit discussions, and follow your best instincts too, not anyone else's pressure.

[Trek420]

So many bikes, so little time :D tons of makes and models to choose from. And we love to shop virtually with you. All the fun of buying a bike and it's YOUR money. :D

Good place to start is here

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=13835&highlight=shorter+riders

Welcome to TE and when you get a chance surf on over to the Getting to Know You thread :)

[KnottedYet]

The relationship you develop with the LBS is almost (if not more) important as the bike you buy.

I bought a commuter from my LBS, traded it in for a more expensive bike from them, and bought my kid a bike from them. Plus they maintain my beloved Waterford. Bikes may change, but my love for my LBS remains.

Just the idea that the other LBS is "reluctantly" ordering a bike in your size gives me the cooties. Ideally they should be "cheerfully" ordering a bike in your size. If they don't sell it to you, they will sell it to someone else.

Campy Mirage is low end Campy, which is still nothing to sneeze at. I have Campy Athena on one of my bikes. (roughtly equivalent to modern Campy Centaur) I find Campy to be much kinder to my hands than Shimano, but you may feel otherwise. If it were a choice between Campy Mirage and Shimano 105, I'd get the Mirage. Just my preference.

I also LOVE steel frames. (all my bikes are steel) So I am biased toward the Bianchi.

You really ought to try the Bianchi, just to see what it feels like. No harm in trying! :D

[aly]

So much help, and so fast! Thanks. I'm having fun shopping, but it has stressed me out a bit. It's funny that I've found that I have a much harder time spending large amounts of cash than my boyfriend. I need to feel that I've really thought it out and compared- whereas he just spends and doesn't look back. I know I need to be thorough about this purchase, otherwise, I'll dwell on it and second guess myself forever. Your help is much appreciated!

[nomummytummy]

When I bought my bike it took about 4 weeks of visiting all the LBS. Like you I had no idea what was a really good feel - I mean what to compare to? I rode about 4 bikes & was almost about to buy a Scott, then saw my EMC2, asked the guy about it- was in my price range, got on & was "in love". Can't say what was different, but it felt like I belonged right on that seat. Even still the set up has been tweaked since the initial fit. Keep looking & keep test riding. the more test rides you have the better idea you'll have.

PS I agree "reluctantly" isn't the best way to start a relationship.

[amymisk]

I love my LeMond, but it is a Versaille Carbon.

I wanted a Trek, but I got fit first and bought the bike my LBS said would fit me best. My LBS ordered mine, they had just started carrying LeMond and didn't have any in stock for me to try. They ordered without hesistation, and Knotted has it right, if you don't buy it, some one else will.

I am so comfortable on my bike and I know my shimano has a shorter reach for my small hands so no issues there. I have never tried Campy stuff.

Take your time and try all different bikes.

[aly]

Just an update-
The Bianchi Eros Donna in my size will arrive in the next couple of days. The Tourmalet is in. It's going to be a choice between the two. The difference between the stores' attitudes was huge. The Bianchi store said "we're ordering it, but don't feel at all obligated to buy it, we can always sell it to someone else. We just want you to get a bike you're happy with." Exactly like everyone said they should. It is such a great store in so many ways. I still want to try the Tourmalet, but I'm emotionally leaning toward the Bianchi without even having ridden the actual bike. I did try a lower level model in a smaller size and a larger size. I'm so excited about getting my bike!

Now I have another question. The Tourmalet is on sale at the other store. The Bianchi is not- it's at MSRP. The difference is about $350 on bikes that are usually similar in price. Should I try to get a deal or is that super tacky- especially since I'm pretty willing to spend full price anyway? The good store people said they would be willing to switch my saddle out for me, so that's a little savings...

Anyone else get so excited about this stuff that they can't sleep? I can't wait to get my bike!! Thanks again for all the help- I'm turning into a forum addict!

[mimitabby]

4 posts and you're a forum addict? Welcome to the dark side!

:cool:

[Veronica]

4 posts and you're a forum addict?

Maybe she means she's reading and learning a lot.

V.

[michelem]

Welcome! :) It doesn't hurt to ask. Even if they can't bring the price down they may be able to offer something such as complimentary tune-ups for a year or something like that.

[csr1210]

I know what you mean about getting stressed out -- I just bought my first road bike a couple of weeks ago, and shopping for weeks and weeks, and fretted about buying the right bike, etc. I love my new bike, BUT I don't really love her paint scheme (and I feel very guilty about that:rolleyes: ). I just keep telling myself that the bike herself is more important than her less than perfect esthetic. Definitely buy at a shop that makes you feel good about purchasing there. I could have gotten a slightly better deal at another store, but the vibe there just didn't do it for me. They seemed slightly condescending towards my husband because he rides a flat bar bike, and kept wanting to get him to look at "real" road bikes.:mad: So anyway, as others have said, the relationship with LBS is very important.

When I tested a Bianchi with campy, I thought the shifting felt sorta chopping, but have since read that campy has to be broken in. I don't know if that's true or not, but it does make me wish I had maybe asked more questions about it. I guess at the time, I was just happy to rule out one more bike from the running.

It sounds like you are on the right track, just try to relax and remember that you will most likely get a bike that you really enjoy (even if not perfect), and you will learn A LOT just from the process.

I too am a forum addict albeit an "incognito" addict as I usually just read without posting much....

Good luck - sorry for the rambling :o

[aly]

Thanks again everyone. "Incognito" would be the exact description of my addiction. I'm reading at home and at work. I shut down the computer, then have to turn it back on to do another search. I think of things to read about while I'm on the train. I browse. I make my SO crazy by reading aloud anything I think he might want to hear. But, it's all good- I'm am learning so much from you all, and I'm enjoying the learning. Hopefully I'll enjoy the riding just as much! I imagine I'll start posting more soon.

[atl_new]

Aly - I just had to post (am new to posting too!) ... I took the first step today, rode 5 different brands of bikes ..... and now my head is spinning. I was looking around here to see if anyone had any magical advice other than what everyone keeps telling me - which is ride a lot of bikes! That said I am like you in that the very helpful staff at the closest store really made a positive impact on my opinion and I really did enjoy riding their bikes. Anyway, good luck ... I figure I'll hit another couple of stores tomorrow and this weekend and hope that something clicks! ... but I wanted to say hello and that you are not alone in your confusion :o

[KnottedYet]

Now I have another question. The Tourmalet is on sale at the other store. The Bianchi is not- it's at MSRP. The difference is about $350 on bikes that are usually similar in price. Should I try to get a deal or is that super tacky- especially since I'm pretty willing to spend full price anyway? The good store people said they would be willing to switch my saddle out for me, so that's a little savings...

My advice would just to be honest. Tell them you are also considering the Tourmalet. Tell them the price is part of what's drawing you toward it. Ask them how the Bianchi compares to the Tourmalet.

If they are able to drop the price on the Bianchi, they will likely offer when you start talking about price comparisons. If they aren't able to drop the Bianchi price, consider the relationship with the shop. I have paid extra at my LBS and I have donated parts to their "used" bins, just because I love them and they treat me right. I understand that sometimes they can't match prices, and that's ok with me. What I get from my relationship with them is much more important to me than any "bargain."

Besides, who knows? Maybe you'll take the Bianchi out for a test-ride and hate it!

Anyway, I find honesty to work best. Let them know what you are looking at, be honest if you can't see the difference between the two bikes, be honest if you don't feel the Bianchi fits you right. LBS folks seem to have huge passions for bikes, and I've found them (unlike most chain-store shops) to be very willing to explain and show me things.

[indysteel]

I own a Bianchi Eros Donna and love it, so I'm biased in that way. My best advice--and advice you're already gotten--is to take both bikes out for a spin, and a long one if the shop will let you. Find a patch of rough road and see how each one feels. Try to find a hill or two. One bike over the other might just "speak" to you. I'm with Knotted in being a fan of steel bikes, but again, you have go with what feels good to you.

As for the Mirage versus 105 debate. Both groupsets are quality groups, and you'll get a lot of miles out of each. Neither of them will last forever, but that's true of even the higher end stuff. In any event, unless you're really a gear head (like me), I wouldn't get too bogged down in those details. The frame geometry and material is a far more important consideration. If something on whatever bike you choose ends up bothering you, you can always upgrade that component.

Whatever you do, spend some time with the LBS (or find a professional fitter if necessary) to help you dial in your fit. To me, that's the most important money you can spend when buying a bike. Your body will thank you.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[aly]

I rode the Tourmalet today- and am just as undecided as ever. It was a good ride, but short. The fit was good and the ride was comfortable. I have a feeling that it'll be the same with the Bianchi. If I absolutely love the Bianchi, the choice will be made. Otherwise, it'll probably come down to price. $350 will cover a lot of the other necessities. I have to say, the Tourmalet was very pretty...

atl_new- Any news on your shopping?

[aly]

The decision is made! Fate has stepped in and decided for me- I'm getting the LeMond. The bike shop just called to tell me that despite strenuous efforts on their part, they are unable to get me the Eros Donna. I'm a little disappointed, but am a firm believer that things happen the way they are supposed to. Also, it doesn't hurt that I was completely happy with the Lemond.

So, I'm picking her up on Friday!! Yipee!!

[amymisk]

post some pics as soon as you get them and I hope you love your LeMond as much as I love mine.