Terry Demo Bike Sale

[Thorn]

My apologies if this has been posted already, but if it hasn't, if you're in the bike market, you might want to check out Terry's demo sale.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/pages/terry-sale-bicycles.html

As they're moving the warehouse, they're selling off the demo bikes. The page above was posted on Friday with 5 bikes, 3 well under $1K. Currently only 2 of the current year are on the page, but they've said they will be adding more.

As someone of excessive height, I was thrilled to see two 23" Symmetries on Friday, but moved too slow to get the 2001 for $299 (arggggh). Still I picked up the 2003 for a good price.

If you're looking for a backup bike or trying to find a sub-$1K bike, you might want to monitor the page.

[out_spokin']

Hey, glad to hear you got that '03! Nicer steel, nicer components, and still a smokin' deal. Now the temptations have passed...;)

[GLC1968]

I'm glad you got one of those - they were great deals!!

I've been watching that page daily - they post a 19" anything and it's MINE, damn it! ;):p

[Blueberry]

I'm glad you got one of those - they were great deals!!

I've been watching that page daily - they post a 19" anything and it's MINE, damn it! ;):p

Don't look now, but there's a 19" 2007 isis for 999...

Yep - you can call me an enabler...

[GLC1968]

Don't look now, but there's a 19" 2007 isis for 999...

Yep - you can call me an enabler...

Holy cow! CA - you enabler! ;)

I just sent the link to my H. I think that bike could make a nice Tri bike...right?

[owlice]

Sooooo, that 2002 Madeleine....

I'm 5'10". I've been thinking of getting a new bike. I wonder if fate is knocking?

[Thorn]

Knock....knock....

BTW...you can check out the specs and the geometry on these legacy pages...
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/terry/madeleine.html

Tough to try to be an enabler, but I'm just trying to share the joy...yeah, that's it....

[owlice]

lol!

My problem is that I know nothing about bikes. I have purchased exactly one for myself ever, and that was in 2003; it's a 19" Giant Sedona "comfort" bike, basically a hybrid. Walked into an LBS with my then-small kid, guy there told us to "try these," we did, and I bought 'em.

But I have a diamond wedding band that needs selling, and I thought I'd get a new bike with the proceeds. This looks like a good opportunity, if only I knew what I was doing!!

[GLC1968]

lol!

My problem is that I know nothing about bikes. I have purchased exactly one for myself ever, and that was in 2003; it's a 19" Giant Sedona "comfort" bike, basically a hybrid. Walked into an LBS with my then-small kid, guy there told us to "try these," we did, and I bought 'em.

But I have a diamond wedding band that needs selling, and I thought I'd get a new bike with the proceeds. This looks like a good opportunity, if only I knew what I was doing!!

Do eet!

Actually, when I bought my road bike from Terry (online), they were really good about walking me through the process and verifiying that I was ordering the right size and the right bike for me. I would bet that they'll do the same even for the demo bikes. Give 'em a call!

I am still trying to convince my husband that I need that 2007 Isis even though it is EXACTLY like my current road bike except using a less expensive frame material. Ugh, now that I say it like that, it sounds stupid to consider buying it... But I want it *whine, whine, whine*...:p

[owlice]

I should probably see if I can find a similar Terry around here to try out first. And sell the stupid ring, too, so it's a more direct exchange.

But wow, how often does one get the opportunity to get a $2K bike for 1/4 of that?

[Thorn]

Should we tag-team you into calling?

Seriously, listen to GLC...gve 'em a call. You'll be hardpressed finding a big Terry to test ride (heck my LBS expressed surprise that I scored a 23"). Best you'll be able to do is find a bike shop with a fit kit-like system that could set up the same dimensions based on the geometry.

Here's a quick test to determine if a WSD is a good fit for you...is your wing span (finger tip to finger tip when arms are stretched out) shorter than your height? If you're about equal or greater, you're probably a standard fit; if shorter, you lean towards a WSD and you keep drooling at that Terry.

Now, there is a measurement missing from that--trunk length. If you're 5'10, then the question is, do standard women's tops fit you "just a little short" or "really short". If you have a terrible time finding tops, then you have a long torso and maybe WSD isn't for you; if tops are close to correct, then you're probably short torsoed for your height.

Or, go find a bike shop, hop on a standard 22" geometry and see if it feels too long or too cramped...

There...more confused and conflicted?

I'll say this. I'm 6' and have a 35" inseam and really high waisted. Finding pants that are long enough and rise high enough is really hard. But I have almost normal arms and torso.

[Thorn]

Do eet!

I am still trying to convince my husband that I need that 2007 Isis even though it is EXACTLY like my current road bike except using a less expensive frame material. Ugh, now that I say it like that, it sounds stupid to consider buying it... But I want it *whine, whine, whine*...:p

Psstt....backup bike....backup bike...:D :D

[owlice]

Thorn, that was very helpful; thank you. My wingspan is 1.5" shorter than my height.

(I have a telescoping rod in the corner of the living room and was holding that when the kid came downstairs. "Oh, God," he said, "what are you doing now?!?!" "Measuring my wingspan; I need to know whether it's greater or less than my height." Doesn't everyone's mom do this on Christmas Eve?)

Regular XL turtlenecks from Land's End fit well, both in body length and sleeve length. In general, I feel that I'm well-proportioned height-wise -- nothing really long nor really short, though when I was thin, dresses were often short-waisted on me, but that might have been because the dresses were small sizes. (Width-wise, I'm also well-proportioned; I have excessive width everywhere, alas!)

I just got a pair of pants with a 34" inseam, and they are too long for me. (A bit snug, too, darn it.)

Wish I had a tape measure handy!

[owlice]

How does this work, exactly? It looks like the bike is sold without pedals. I'm assuming there's a shipping fee. Does the bike come assembled? Is it likely that the tires are okay, or will they need replacing as soon as the bike is delivered?

The reason I'm asking is.... ah... intellectual curiosity.

For now, anyway!

TIA!!

[Thorn]

Intellectual curiousity...yeah...right :rolleyes:

Yes, no pedals since a manufacturer can never guess what kind of shoes/cleats you'll have.

I was charged $30 to ship the bike via UPS. It should come next week and I'll have more info on assembly. When I talked to them, I was told that they'd have a mechanic do a once over and then box it up to ship. So, I figure that I have a little bit of assembly to do--stem, handlebars, wheels, but not much more. As I said, I'll let you know on Thursday-ish when it gets here. I'm of the ilk that I'm looking forward to the assembly.

Tires? Depends upon how they've been stored. Unlike the mechanical parts, the tires will degrade in the warehouse. I'll be replacing the tires come spring just out of principle.

Oh, and shorter wingspan than height....pants and tops fit equally to standards....you're probably destined for a WSD. Call and talk to them...

[GLC1968]

Psstt....backup bike....backup bike...:D :D

I kind of already have one... I have a Terry Classic, too. :o

I was wondering how they'd do shipping on preassembled bikes. The bike I bought from Terry was a previous year's model but it had never been assembled before so they shipped directly to my LBS and they put it together for me. I would bet that if you already have a good relationship with an LBS, that Terry would ship to them for you.

I think I paid $30 for shipping my bike back then, too.

Honestly, if they had an older Madeline in my size, I'd be all over it. That's a very similiar bike to my Classic - nice steel, good componentry...a real quality bike for a song! I paid $500 for my classic and it was used (not a demo, but owned by some other person)!

[owlice]

I placed a call this morning about selling the ring and should know something about that later today. (I have funds available to purchase the bike even without the ring sold, however.)

I'm feeling under-researched -- I think that's the mental block I'm having. Why this bike over a, say, Trek of some kind? What questions should I be asking Terry about this bike? Besides "May I buy this, please?," I mean! :)

I've seen Ultegra cranks praised on these forums, like that it's a triple (as I need all the help I can get!), and Shimano components are good, from what I've read here. If I get a new bike, I have to consider using for a hybrid commute, so I'd need to put a rack on it; is that a sacrilege for this bike?

[Thorn]

All kidding and pushing aside, if the time isn't right, the time isn't right.

I don't know what level of componentry is on that bike. It is probably probably similar to the componentry listed at:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/terry/madeleine.html

Entry level components. Solid, but not high end. Gearing is to the lower (easier) end, so if you're not super strong, you'll have a lot of gears to choose from.

But, that bike was designed for touring. As such, she screams to have have a rack. The image on Sheldon Brown's site looks like it has full mounts for a rear rack. That said, this is a touring bike. By definition, it will be easy going--keeps a straight line and doesn't have quick steering like a racing bike.

Why this over a Trek? That I cannot answer for you. In the end, it all comes down to fit. Do you have time to window shop at a bike shop? Put a couple of bikes up on a trainer and spin. How do they fit? See what you can learn? Oh, and then, the bike shop that treats you best is where you take your bike for service. Bike shops make money on service and parts, too, even if you buy the bike elsewhere.

[owlice]

Thorn, merci beaucoup plus encore! I've been poking around, and found this: http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2002&Brand=Terry&Model=col+de+la+Madeleine&Type=bike

That seems to match up with the info on the sale page. Also learned that the Madeleine frame changed from steel to aluminum a few years ago (so the 2007 Madeleine on the sale page has an aluminum frame, whereas the 2002 has a steel frame). So this looks like a good opportunity to get a reasonably priced steel bike.

I sent off a note to Georgena letting her know I was interested. I also sent a note off to a biking buddy who wrote back with a buy recommendation, though he cautions that the bike may not be lighter than the Giant I have now. I don't recall what the Giant weighs, only that it seems like A Lot.

Screams for a rack, hmm?

:: adding up in her head.... bike... shipping... pedals... rack... red paint job for the car so it matches the new bike... custom jersey and shorts so they match the new bike... new helmet which matches the bike... dyeing the cats' fur to match the new.... wait... that might be going too far... ::

[owlice]

All that angst for nothing; with the bike having a standover height of 33" and me apparently having an inseam of just under 32" as measured by the Georgena method, it looks like that bike is too big for me, if I'm understanding standover height correctly. :(

[Thorn]

To be honest, I thought you were looking at the aluminum. A 23in/58cm is a big bike, probably borderline for someone 5'10"--I'm 6' so, for me, 23" is about right.

But, that said, look at the other side of things....you've learned more about bikes and you've done more research, right? Check the site again next week--maybe the perfect bike will be waiting for you then.

[owlice]

Thorn, yes, I've learned more, certainly! The note for the 2002 Mad says it typically fits a 5'9" - 5'10" rider, and I'm definitely 5'10", so I thought it'd be okay. Georgena said she couldn't recommend it, given my inseam. (Of course, this makes me want to buy one of her bikes even more!)

She said she doesn't have a smaller Mad "with a straight bar" to be added to the list. I take it that "straight bar" refers to the handlebar? If so, dropped bars would not be a deal breaker for me, and I wrote back to let her know that.

[Thorn]

Georgena Terry is one of my heros....an engineer who saw a need and not just developed a product, but defined a segment of the industry. And, unlike some heros, when I've had dealings with her, her hero status only grows--she's quite a down-to-earth person. Also, like good engineers, a straight shooter. Hence, telling you, no, the bike won't fit.

Have you watched some of her videos? She's got some on frame design and simple road repairs.

Yep, straightbar would be hybrid/mountain bike style; drops would be road bike style. It is a matter of preference. Drops give you more hand positions, but not all of them are near the brakes; straightbars tend to sit you higher (although not always) and can give you better handling while your hands are still near the brakes. But, those points can be argued by anyone who believes strongly one way or the other.

[tulip]

Thread drift...

A few years ago I was on a supported bike tour in Vermont. At dinner the first night, we all went around the table and introduced ourselves. The very nice lady sitting next to me, and with whom I had spoken earlier in the day, said, "My name is Georgeanna and I'm an engineer."

Yes it was her. My heart skipped a beat!

[Thorn]

Thread drift...

A few years ago I was on a supported bike tour in Vermont. At dinner the first night, we all went around the table and introduced ourselves. The very nice lady sitting next to me, and with whom I had spoken earlier in the day, said, "My name is Georgeanna and I'm an engineer."

Yes it was her. My heart skipped a beat!

Great story....

[Tri Girl]

very, very cool, Tulip! :)

[owlice]

Thorn, I've watched most (maybe all!) of her videos, which I thought excellent.

I see the page has been updated with a 2009 Fast Woman. Out of my price range (should have asked for a more expensive wedding band :D ), but what a great deal for someone!

Oh, and another, an Isis Sport.

~~ sigh ~~

:)

[GLC1968]

Thorn, I've watched most (maybe all!) of her videos, which I thought excellent.

I see the page has been updated with a 2009 Fast Woman. Out of my price range (should have asked for a more expensive wedding band :D ), but what a great deal for someone!

Oh, and another, an Isis Sport.

~~ sigh ~~

:)

Oy. I couldn't justify the 2007 Isis....but a Fast Woman? Yummy! Hmmmm.... I wish I had endless $$ and a super huge garage! :p

[owlice]

I don't know whether this is feasible/wise, but.... could I put 650mm rims/tires on the 2002 Madeleine? That would reduce the height of the bike, enough for me to be able to stand over it. Is this a silly idea?

[Thorn]

I could be wrong, but it doesn't seem feasible. A frame is designed with a specific wheel size. Change that; change the handling. Beyond that, even if it did work, you'd have to change out the brakes as you just shrunk the wheels.

No....IMO, better to sit tight and wait....your perfect bike is out there.

[owlice]

Thanks again, Thorn! Yeah, I was thinking after I posted that it was probably a stupid idea, but.... it's the perfect bike except for being just a little too tall!

Yes, yes, I know that makes it not the perfect bike, but it's such a beautiful bike and it's steel and it has such nice components and it's such an excellent price and in my price range, AND my kitchen already matches it! No one will notice that the bike is stored in the kitchen; it'll blend right in!

Dang it; I wish my inseam were just a little longer!!

:: goes off to weep into her tea ::

[Thorn]

Just a FYI -- a new collection of bikes has been added. More of the 2009 Waterford steel models and a 2005 Titanium.....

[Selkie]

Damn you, Thorn, you are an enabler.

If you'll notice, the 2005 Titanium Isis has been sold. It will be joining my already-crowded stable! I've been looking for a used ti bike and the 2005 Terry Isis was on my list of choices. The price for this bike is superb and you really can't go wrong w/a Terry. Best of all, I got to talk to Georgena!

Now if only the weather would cooperate and I could ride outside. Am considering commuting by bike once the winter weather nightmare ends (more snow predicted for tonite, temps too brutal to bike outside, regardless of pavement conditions). For now, I'm working in a building next to the W&OD so it would pretty much be MUT the entire way.

I might sell my Specialized Dolce Comp since my "woman cave" is already at maximum bike capacity!!!!!

[Thorn]

Damn you, Thorn, you are an enabler.
Yep, that's me. :D :D :D :D

I saw that the Titanium was gone last night. It really was a nice price. Glad you grabbed it.

But, you know, I can't help being a "pusher"...as Georgena said, "every bike deserves a home" and she's had some really good prices on those bikes. Besides I'm so thrilled with my new backup bike....I just had to share!

[GLC1968]

Damn you, Thorn, you are an enabler.

If you'll notice, the 2005 Titanium Isis has been sold. It will be joining my already-crowded stable! I've been looking for a used ti bike and the 2005 Terry Isis was on my list of choices. The price for this bike is superb and you really can't go wrong w/a Terry. Best of all, I got to talk to Georgena!

Now if only the weather would cooperate and I could ride outside. Am considering commuting by bike once the winter weather nightmare ends (more snow predicted for tonite, temps too brutal to bike outside, regardless of pavement conditions). For now, I'm working in a building next to the W&OD so it would pretty much be MUT the entire way.

I might sell my Specialized Dolce Comp since my "woman cave" is already at maximum bike capacity!!!!!

No way! I have the same bike...and I sold my Dolce Comp when I bought it!! You are going to fall in LOOOOVE! It's an awesome ride. Like riding on glass, but with better traction. :p

That IS a great price. For a brief moment, I tried to think of a way to stretch my short legs so that I could fit on it and buy another one. Mine's a 19". But I'm happy to 'know' who bought it, if it couldn't be me.

Congratulations!!

(I'm still eyeing the 17.5 Fast Woman - I just need to know if my quarterly bonus will cover it...everyone pray for me that it remains available until then, will you??)

[owlice]

mickchick, congratulations!!!

I see the Madeleines have gone, too, including the one which matches my kitchen. Guess I'll cancel the leg-lengthening surgery!

[Selkie]

GLC - Thanks for the review!! Have to admit that I went back and forth about it a little, but my husband convinced me to get it. A ti frame should last forever. First order of business will be replacing the tires w/Armadillos.

I have a ti Seven and love the ride, so I really wanted another ti bike.

Owlice - Keep watching for more bikes. You just never know....

[owlice]

Just one left...

[sundial]

...my husband convinced me to get it. A ti frame should last forever.

Congratulations Mick! :D Post some pics when you get her.

[out_spokin']

Come on, someone take that last bike - it's a 2009 even! I don't have room for it, don't have the $ for it, would want the 'cross spec over the tour spec, I haven't finished building my NOS Symmetry in the same size, and STILL it tempts me! :rolleyes: Make it go away....

[Selkie]

Isis arrived yesterday, so this weekend, off to the bike shop for assembly, pedals, new tires.

I'll post a picture. Now if only the weather would cooperate. I don't want to ride it outside until all the salt/sand/ice melting chemicals are clear from the road.

[owlice]

OMG.... look here: http://www.terrybicycles.com/pages/terry-sale-bicycles.html

See that bottom one? The 20.5" 2009 Fast Woman? Just the frame and the fork, but the standover looks to be about right for me. But putting everything on it to make it a bike (instead of just a frame and fork) would break the bank, I suspect.

:: drools on the keyboard ::

(I think I should have gotten that Madeleine and had my legs stretched. It so feels like "the one that got away" to me!)

[reapergirl]

Hate to dissapoint you, but I just picked up the 20.5" Fast Woman last week. I'm a little leary about how much money I'm going to pour into it, but I've been picking up parts here and there as I find them on sale, which is the only way I can afford it anyway. My goal is to keep it under $2k, ideally under $1.5k. We'll see how that goes. :)

[Selkie]

Hate to dissapoint you, but I just picked up the 20.5" Fast Woman last week. I'm a little leary about how much money I'm going to pour into it, but I've been picking up parts here and there as I find them on sale, which is the only way I can afford it anyway. My goal is to keep it under $2k, ideally under $1.5k. We'll see how that goes. :)

Owlice posted about that bike in April. She's probably happy for you, not disappointed that she missed out.