cherinyc
06-15-2006, 09:41 AM
Hi everyone - after much wonderful advice, some internet research on all the different websites suggested by all of the wonderful ladies on this forum, and finally finding a great LBS - I put a deposit on a new 2006 GIANT OCR 1w. Though I am 5'6" - and the other 3 LBS's wanted to put me on a 54, this one particular LBS took my short reach into consideration and tried me on a GIANT (women's specific) Small - about a 50. Turned out that I still needed smaller, so the XS (about a 48) gave me the comfort the others didn't. The guy also spent a couple hours changing saddles, stems, handlebars, and even gave me a lesson on using the clipless pedals (which I was very scared about). That was all before I even agreed to make a purchase.
He introduced me to some Smarty (Crank Bros) MTB pedals, saying they would be easier to learn on than RB pedals - and isn't even going to charge me for the upgrade from the stock pedals the bike will come with (Shimano M-505's). It's about a $40 upgrade.
The bike is being shipped in a few days, and the guy also said he will work with me to find just the right saddle.
So....my point being....for any newbie out there who is nervous, or anxious (like I was) about getting their first bike, my best advice is to find a LBS who will listen to you, and who really understands. This guy in particular has a wife who is an avid rider, which probably gave him a different perspective.
That's all I needed.
I am so excited for my new bike to come in - and it's funny how, 2 months ago, I never would've thought I would spend this much $$ on a bike, and now I know that it's an investment in my own personal fitness, health, and emotional/mental well-being. Turns out $1100 is quite a bargain when you look at it that way. Cheaper than getting lipo on my thighs too. ;)
Thanks again everyone!!! I plan to make this forum a daily stop. There's still so much to learn.
Oh -lastly - my first pair of bike shorts are Shebeest. They have a leg gripper that is somewhere between that sticky silicone-like stuff, and nothing. Like a bunch of little rubber dots. Also, the material is soft - has a jersey-like feel, and the chamois is just right for getting used to. Price (about $50) was about as much as I could bare spending on my first pair as well.
Again - sorry for being long-winded, but I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY!!!
lots of love!!:D
cheri
He introduced me to some Smarty (Crank Bros) MTB pedals, saying they would be easier to learn on than RB pedals - and isn't even going to charge me for the upgrade from the stock pedals the bike will come with (Shimano M-505's). It's about a $40 upgrade.
The bike is being shipped in a few days, and the guy also said he will work with me to find just the right saddle.
So....my point being....for any newbie out there who is nervous, or anxious (like I was) about getting their first bike, my best advice is to find a LBS who will listen to you, and who really understands. This guy in particular has a wife who is an avid rider, which probably gave him a different perspective.
That's all I needed.
I am so excited for my new bike to come in - and it's funny how, 2 months ago, I never would've thought I would spend this much $$ on a bike, and now I know that it's an investment in my own personal fitness, health, and emotional/mental well-being. Turns out $1100 is quite a bargain when you look at it that way. Cheaper than getting lipo on my thighs too. ;)
Thanks again everyone!!! I plan to make this forum a daily stop. There's still so much to learn.
Oh -lastly - my first pair of bike shorts are Shebeest. They have a leg gripper that is somewhere between that sticky silicone-like stuff, and nothing. Like a bunch of little rubber dots. Also, the material is soft - has a jersey-like feel, and the chamois is just right for getting used to. Price (about $50) was about as much as I could bare spending on my first pair as well.
Again - sorry for being long-winded, but I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY!!!
lots of love!!:D
cheri