Freaking out (a little) about bike being built

[Ana]

I decided to splurge for a new bike. It just so happened that Lynskey had a really good price on a frame my size, plus I hunted down an awesome deal on a groupset. I have been really excited for the last week or so but recently, I have been getting uneasy. :eek:

This is the first bike I've purchased that I have not test ridden beforehand. The sales rep assured me that I would like it (I think that is part of his job) but I'm terrified: what if I go through all this time and expense and don't like it? :(

It's not a custom bike but I think it should fit well :)

If nothing else, I would be comforted to hear some of your stories about receiving a bike you've never test ridden and your experience with it (did you like it right away?). I'm expecting at least a few minor adjustments to get the fit right but what if it's not a huge improvement from my aluminum frame?

::deep breath::

[Veronica]

I had not ridden my Rivendell Legolas when I ordered it. It's not custom either. I've had it nearly three years now and still really love it.

Veronica

[tulip]

Did they do all sorts of measurements as if you were going to have a custom built bike and then compare those measurements to the bike you are getting?

I have a Luna that was not custom built for me. I did test ride it before purchasing, though, because I happened to be in New Mexico for another reason. However, Margo measured me up, measured the bike up, and said it was a good fit. And it has been perfect.

[Trek420]

I had not ridden my Mondonico or any Mondonico for that matter when I ordered mine. I met with the builder, he measured me, then he went off to Italy to sip espresso and build my bike.

I had a loaner Della Santa www.dellasanta.com from my LBS's fleet while I waited. I did think "If this is what custom steel feels like I'm going to like this."

My bike was finished maybe 2 months before my first AIDS ride. You know how they say don't make any major change to your bike before a multi day tour? Do as they say and not as I did but I love that bike!

[GLC1968]

I have bought 3 bikes prior to riding them.

The first was my Specialized Dolce Comp - they didn't have anything even close to my size to try in the bike I wanted, so I ordered it sight unseen. I liked it well enough, but it was about a year later that I decided that it wasn't the bike for me.

The second was my Terry Classic. I bought it used from a woman who put less than 50 miles on it. I liked it when I got it, but it was really hard to judge because there were a lot of changes that I needed to make before it was super comfortable. I still have it - it's my commuter.

The third was my Terry Isis. I'd never even seen one in person. I did all the geometry comparisons and ordered it online. They shipped to a local LBS for the build and I picked it up from them. I had a little fine tunning to do, but even though it wasn't set up 100% for that first ride, I'll still never forget it. I went out by myself at lunch one day and did my usual route. I did it MUCH faster than usual because I think I was so excited. Riding the bike felt like I was riding on glass...it was soooo smooth! Instant love. Turns out, lasting love too...I still adore this bike!

[jobob]

I had a Lynskey built up without ever test riding it, and it came out fabulous.

I had a semi-custom build, in that the dealer took the measurements off my current road bike (which fit me pretty well) and had them transferred more-or-less onto a Lynskey R230 frame using their "houseblend custom" program.

So it's not an off-the-shelf frame, but it's not one of their "pro builds" where they start from scratch and build up a bike to someones exact specs either, it's sort of in-between.

It's a big difference from my fairly heavy steel Riv - much lighter weight, and it's very easy to get up to speed.

I wrote about getting my first impressions here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=29763

I hope you like your Lynskey as much as I like mine. :cool:

[Ana]

I just e-mailed the rep with my dimensions and asking him about the fit.

I will definitely keep you informed after it arrives :) Oh, I'm still nervous.... I guess that is the advantage of test riding: you can fall in love with the bike at the shop and take it home immediately ;) :p No time for anxieties.

[Biciclista]

you will be nervous until you ride it. I was.

[Ana]

you will be nervous until you ride it. I was.

Oh no! :eek:

How will I survive the wait? :p:rolleyes::D;)

[ilima]

I didn't test ride my Merlin before I ordered it. After the first ride, I knew I'd never ride my alu Felt again and sold it on craigslist.

I've since bought a LeMond Poprad frameset that I never rode, either.

And now I'm thinking of getting a mixte through Velo Orange. Won't get to ride that beforehand, either.

[Pedal Wench]

I've test-rode my first road bike. After that, I knew what dimensions would work for me. Since then, I've bought a bunch of eBay based on their geometries and knowing what could be changed.

[SadieKate]

I think I've testridden approximately 4 bikes out of the bazillion I've bought. Ok, bazillion is an exaggeration but not much.:o

If you've had bikes that fit you well in the past or you know why it didn't fit, you can purchase a frame un-test ridden. Just work with a knowledgeable person with your measurements and the measurements of your old bike(s).

[Cataboo]

I bought my carbon frame off craigslist knowing the dimensions - but given that it was only a frame, I couldn't test ride. I brought a set of wheels with me so I could put it on and sort of approximate how the standover was and such... Love the frame, it had the 73 degree seat angle & 540 top tube that I wanted and hadn't actually ridden because my other bikes were 74 degrees or so, but just felt wrong... It was rare in a small frame.

My litespeed I just bought off ebay and the only information the seller had up was "49 cm", i did my best to google the frame and try to figure out what the geometry was... I didn't have much time till the auction ended, it looked like it was going to be a great price, so I just bought it and hoped for the best, figuring I could find it a new home if I had to... I absolutely adore that bike, I haven't had to change anything other than the handlebars and the seat. Stem, etc. were all a great fit for me.


I've bought bikes that I test rode that I eventually decided I hated - just because sometimes you have to go 40 miles or so to really figure out what you don't like in a bike.

[kenyonchris]

I just built my Colnago, I ordered the frame off eBay. I did the best I could with the measurements, Colnagos are weirdly sized too. Then I built the dang thing up going with pretty much all new and different stuff. I LOVE it, but there are still things I need to tweak to make it perfect. My poor Ruby is sitting neglected, I will sell it. Too nice a bike to just sit there.
I wouldn't have done it two or three bikes ago, before I knew what I wanted and, at least, what I DIDN'T like. I am always finding new stuff I don't like, to go with the stuff I do.
And it was an anxious moment when I rode it for the first time....but patience paid off...it fits me like a glove!