I went to a LBS today

[Shara]

The guy was really nice. He's been in business for 38 years and had lots of little tidbits. I told him about the kind of riding I want to do, the problems I have (hills) and the kind of riding I want to do. He eyeballed me and told me I need an 18" frame lol then pulled a hybrid out and let me ride it. It was nice. Soooo much nicer than what I have now. It was set so that I was riding very upright but he said that can be adjusted.

This was the bike
http://www.mielebicycles.com/main+en+06_200+Modele_Velo_Hybrids___Comfort_Toscana_300_2010.html?CategorieID=45&BikeID=765

Except it's last year's model and he's selling it for $440 Cdn. I wouldn't be able to buy it until January or February but he says he has several of them in the back

[blackhillsbiker]

A good LBS is worth its weight in gold (or carbon...). Whatever bike you get, get out there and ride! That Toscana is a nice looking bike. If he can work with you to get the fit where you want it, you'll probably enjoy it more than a used bike that hasn't been fit to you. I love my hybrid Kona. She and I just had a nice long ride today enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.

Deb

[Shara]

Thanks :) I really do like it but I'll have to take it out again and go to a few other places though. I like this guy because he's been around forever and is so casual. He also seems to be the kind of guy that treats his customers well. Plus that bike has a really good warranty from what I can tell and his shop is really close to my home.

I can't find much about miele on this forum, I think because it's Canadian? But I like that it's local anyway.

[Shara]

Every morning I wake up thinking about this bike. Such nice gears lol

[Maxxxie]

Shara, it sounds like it's stolen your heart! If the bike feels good under your bum, I reckon it's your next steed :D

Max

[Shara]

lol I hope so. I'm still going to feel out other ones and I can't afford it until after Christmas... but hopefully soon. Unless, I get everyone to give me cash for Christmas? How tacky is that??? lmao

[Biciclista]

can't you put some money down on that bike? Last year's models are wonderful, great discounts!

[Shara]

Can't get blood from a rock! lol And even if I had any money atm tuition and my daughter take priority over the bike. But he seemed to think he'd have a few models around for awhile. I hope!

eta: the 2010 is only $50 more

[Shara]

I went to another LBS this week. I didn't have time to ride any bikes because my toddler was a maniac. But they have Giants and Rocky Mountain (I think) hybrids. They are a bit pricier than the ones I looked at before but I think they are good brands. I honestly don't know how to choose. I think the Rocky Mountain one that he was talking about was about $630.

What makes one bike better than another? Or is it just how it feels to ride?

[Biciclista]

shara have you tried craigslist?

what makes one bike cost more? better components and better materials.
You could buy a walmart bike and find a loose screw on it. You'd tighten the screw and it would strip out because it was made from cheap materials.
buy a more expensive bike and this would be less likely to happen. This is true of all of the parts on a bike.

[Shara]

Thanks :)

I have looked at CL but I think I'm going to go for a new one with a warranty.

I think I sort of meant what would make a Giant better than the Rocky Mountain bike or vice versa. They both seem to be ok mid. brands and in a similar price range. How do I choose between them. Or the Miele even - which was a couple hundred cheaper.

[Zen]

I think that's a fair price for that bike. It has Shimano Altus and trigger shifters. The frame geometry reminds me of the Trek FX.
For me, geometry is very important. You can have the best components out there but if the bike doesn't have the right fit it's not going to be an enjoyable ride.

[blackhillsbiker]

My new Giant MTB was a closeout at one of our LBSs. The price was very good and I like knowing I have maintenance for a year and a warranty.

Deb

[Shara]

So I met a guy today that works/worked for a bike delivery service, used to work at a bike store and learned how to build bikes. Good source, eh? :D He found a place that sells the Kona Dew and the Kona Dew plus. And he said those would be my best bets for the area and price. Do you think there is a huge difference between the Kona Dew Plus and the regular Dew? he seemed to think so.

[blackhillsbiker]

I love my Dew Deluxe! I think the frame is the same on the 3 of them. If the Dew Plus has disc brakes you might want to consider whether that is important to you. I like not having to think about the weather/road conditions on my commute. The discs will just work. I know some Dew riders who are very happy, though. Each step up the line = better components. Decide what level you can live with. If you google Kona Dew vs Dew Plus you should get some discussions on some of the other biking forums. The Konaworld website is also helpful.

The Kona Dew geometry does make for toe overlap depending on bike frame/shoe size. I just know it's there and live with it. You should check that out on your test ride.

Deb