How on earth do you choose a bike?!

[shellkay1212]

HELP! I have a great relationship with LBS. They are more than patient and helpful! And they are supportive of my sock addiction - or should Isay they are contributors?!

Now I'm ready to upgrade to a road bike. I currently have a Giant FCR. First - my shop only carries 3 brands. Second - I'm short (so I'm told anyway). I stopped in the other day and they had ONE in my size. I took it home and test rode for a couple of days. (Specialized Ruby Elite). I really liked it and it was much 'easier' to ride than my Giant. Typically, I'm a recreational distance rider. I'm not racing but I don't want to ride like a turtle either. The Ruby felt good as far as fit is concerned...felt smooth to ride. I don't think I LOVED it though.

I went back to see if they found anything else. They had some Canondale that was a little too big - I went for a spin and it did, in fact, feel too big. Reach wise anyway.

They put their heads together and remembered they had a used bike. It had been the 'boss's wife's bike. (she doesn't like biking). The bike is my size. They took it in to adjust the seat height - it was already the exact height for me! The guys said it was just 'meant to be'. I took a spin...and liked it better than the Ruby. Except for the reach to the calipers...my fingers aren't quite long enough. They said they could fix that. I took it home and rode it last night. I could not believe how comfortable it was! I was riding faster than ever - it sort of made me nervous even! I made sure to ride hills - I didn't even want to quit before I got to the top! OH, I forgot: this bike is a Litespeed Tuscany.

I really liked the ride last night and plan to take it on a longer ride tonight!

Well, now that you have this long story - I get to my question. How do I know if something else would be better or not? I don't have that many to choose from and only 3 brands (other than the tuscany) at this shop. I hate to go some place else since they are close and we have such a great relationship. The 09s should be coming in but obviously, they are going to be more expensive.

Oi!

[Smilie]

Sounds like you already found a bike! Are there other shops in your area to go test ride other brands?

[shellkay1212]

There's one other shop but they hardly have any inventory of anything! Everyone I knows goes to this shop. I trust them. They did say if I like the Tuscany it would be a great bike! I must admit I actually felt like a cyclist on it!

I was trying to explain how much differently it rode. But, I couldn't come up with the words. Smoother - easier - that doesn't really describe it but it was absolutely a better ride...even on hills with wind!

There are just so many bikes out there that I'm afraid of buying one and hearing about another later!

[Smilie]

So how are you going to find a different bike if there are none in your area to try? I had to drive about 5 hours to get my 'perfect' bike, because we have 2 very small shops that don't have my small size. So I tried out 3 different styles and got the one I liked best. You wouldn't have to buy it from the other shops just try the different kinds.

Also keep in mind, each person likes different styles. Just because I like my bike, doesn't mean you would like it as well! You just have to ride them, that is what everyone's advice to me has been, and it works!

[sfa]

Well, I think it's like any major decision--maybe not quite the same as getting married, but right up there with purchasing a house or a car or a computer. You make the best decision you can with the information you have, you don't sink your money into something that you just have a gut instinct "no" about, and then when you make your decision you live with it, because even if it isn't the absolutelybestmostperfect decision in the world (which it may or may not be, but you'll drive yourself crazy dithering and test riding every single bike in a 100 mile radius otherwise), it's still a pretty darn good one, one that you can live with and be happy about. And in the unlikely event that it turns out to be the wrong decision, well, it's just a bike--you can sell it and get another one.

But it doesn't sound like that'll happen--the Tuscany sounds like a fabulous bike!

Sarah

[ilima]

Sometimes it's serendipity!

Three of the last four bikes I've bought have been carefully researched and specifically selected by me. The fourth bike, though, was just dumb luck. It was what I needed at the time and the right price.

I ride a Merlin and just love, love, love Ti!

[Becky]

If a used tuscany in my size showed up, I'd be all over that, no questions asked! :D

IME, your first bike is never perfect. Heck, my first frame ended up on Ebay! It's taken me several tries (and years!)to get one that's close to perfect. Buy the bike that makes you happy now, and accept that you may need to change a component or consider a different bike later as your abilities and experience grow.

[indysteel]

I agree that it sounds like you found a great bike and a good deal. Run with it. Are there other bikes out there that would work for you? Maybe, but if you felt really good on the Litespeed and the price is right, then I'd go for it. And don't look back, at least not until your in the market for your next bike (if there even is a next bike).

[Flur]

If a used tuscany in my size showed up, I'd be all over that, no questions asked! :D

+1. That's a beautiful bike. And you like riding it. And you're excited posting about it. I don't think there's anything more you can ask for. And if the frame is good for you (right size, right feel), the rest can be changed later.

[shellkay1212]

Ha- I think you all are right! Last night I was telling a friend about both bikes...and he said, "you sound like you're leaning pretty heavily toward the tuscany". There must have been a reason, eh?

I didn't get the same rush after riding the Ruby. Gut instinct says the Tuscany. :D As long as the calipers can be closer to my fingers and the handlebars a tad bit closer (is that something to do with the stem?)

If I get the same rush tonight - I'm all over it tomorrow! Thankfully, I have it on loan until Friday!

[Becky]

As long as the calipers can be closer to my fingers and the handlebars a tad bit closer (is that something to do with the stem?)

Levers can be shimmed in some cases, or the shifters/levers replaced altogether with "short-reach" shifters. The bar can be replaced with a shorter reach bar, maybe a narrower bar even, and the stem can be replaced with a shorter one. It all depends what's currently there now, how big of a change you need, and what you're comfortable spending.

It sounds like you've found a really nice bike, and have an excellent shop who will listen to your needs and make practical, well-thought suggestions. Go for it!

[PscyclePath]

You can tell it's the bike for you when it wags its fenders, rolls across the floor to you, and lays its handlebars in your lap...

... well, maybe not quite that dramatic, but you get the idea.

A Tuscany is a beautiful ride at any rate.

Tom

[melissam]

Hey Shellkay,

It sounds like you've lucked into a great bike!! Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

In the meantime, here's a glowing review of the Litespeed Tuscany:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/tuscany03.shtml

- Melissa

[Fujichants]

Just go for it and get the Litespeed!

You can always add more bikes in the future...and I am sure you will :)

[shellkay1212]

Well, I stopped in at my shop this afternoon. I told them I love it but want to stop by tomorrow and take a spin on the Ruby just to be sure. My heart is sure - just have to prove it to my head! :)

I talked to 'my guy' and here's the plan: I'm taking the bike in tomorrow. The fitter is going to watch me ride, put me up on the trainer and make sure the measurements are truly good for me. Make any adjustments...and then the deal is done. Well, it will be in lay-a-way for about three weeks.:eek:

But then - then LOOK OUT!

Thanks everyone!!!

[Flur]

So when you get it (since I'm completely convinced you'll get it!) please post pics!

[shellkay1212]

Ahhhhh, the decision is made! YEP - the TUSCANY!

Today I rode the Ruby and it just isn't the same pull at the heart strings. My guys swapped out the stem and that took care of that problem!

I chose my computer and bottle cages and pedals. I did end up calling a bike shop in Indy - they said that bike that price - snatch it up!

WOOHOOOOO!!!!! I can even spout off the componets now: all ultegra, dura ace shifters, and "sweet velocity 650 wheels"!!! YEAH!!!!

Sadly, it will be in lay-a-way for three weeks. The bike fitter will be back then so I can be properly fitted. So it works out okay that bonus time falls then. I cannot wait to ride, ride, ride!!!

Meanwhile, I'm back on the Giant FCR3 full time. It's still fun though!

[TrekTheKaty]

You can tell it's the bike for you when it wags its fenders, rolls across the floor to you, and lays its handlebars in your lap...

... well, maybe not quite that dramatic, but you get the idea.

A Tuscany is a beautiful ride at any rate.

Tom

Of course! You're right! That's my excuse for the cat! It followed me home (My Trek does stare at me as I pull into the garage--"Where have you been? Want to go for a ride?")

[MauiRockHopper]

Wow cool story of how that all happened, it really sounds like destiny. I wish something like that would happen to me. You know it's a good bike if it was the wife of the shop owner's bike. Plus the discounted price really makes it sweet!