the right fit

[inatree]

i am going to test ride roadies soon. i'm a first-time buyer of a road bike.
as i am understanding it, fit is the most important thing.
how can you tell when the bike fits you right?

[quint41]

Perfect timing! I am also shopping for my first road bike. I just went to a shop yesterday called Fit to Ride (in Somers, CT, for any locals). They fitted me on a Serrota fit bike. Everything was sized to me. I have test ridden about 8 bikes over the past few weeks and have found only one that was really comfortable (a Raleigh Cadent), but I have been having a hell of a time shifting up to the big sprocket in the front with those pesky STI shifters (I have tiny hands). Brian at FTR showed me how much of a difference placement of the shifters on the bar can make, as well as handlebar size, height, etc. He showed me how, because of the size of the bike, my weight could be thrown either forward onto the handlebars, or back onto the seat, and the consequences of both of those positions, and how evenly-placed weight makes a big difference in comfort and performance. Wow! I learned so much!

Next step is finding a bike. He knows my budget. He's going to compare my measurements to stock bikes and make a couple of recommendations for me. He'll probably suggest a stock bike that he will modify to fit me perfectly. I can't wait to hear back from him.

[mimitabby]

i am going to test ride roadies soon. i'm a first-time buyer of a road bike.
as i am understanding it, fit is the most important thing.
how can you tell when the bike fits you right?
you know it fits you right if there is
no pain.

having said that; if you are less than 25 you might still be flexible enough
that it doesn't matter as much.. but pay attention to the little hints your body
gives you because with time those little hints will be screams... from your knees, back, neck, hands, crotch.

[KnottedYet]

One of the LBS's here (Ti Cycles) does a complete (1 to 1 1/2 hours) bike fit with EVERY bike they sell. They put you on the bike and have you "ride" in front of them on a trainer stand. Then they have you ride outside. They do all the tweaking and adjusting and swapping bars and stems and such before you even take the bike home, then you are supposed to come back to them if you have any fit issues.

Another of the shops (Sammamish Valley Cyclery) does a Serrota fit (like Quint's) for $200. They will put you on a fit-bike and make all the adjustments on the fit-bike, then transfer what they learned about your measurements and needs to the real bike you are buying. They then deduct the $200 from the cost of your new bike, so the 2 hour fit session is essentially free as long as you buy a bike from them.

I bought my commutermobile from a shop that had me stand over the bar for basic fit, scootched the seat a little, and sent me on my way. I was ok with that, because I knew how I wanted to fit on the bike and could tell the bike was good for me already. Over time I figured out what other things needed to be adjusted (bar width, etc.) and took care of it.

My next bike is a used steel frame. I'm taking it to a shop (R + E Cycles)that specializes in steel and Campagnolo for a complete fit ($200). They will also do the work needed to adjust the gearing to the way I ride. This bike will be my long-distance-mobile so I want the fit "dialed in". The fitter at R+E is very good at adjusting the standard ideal fit so that it works for a rider's unique characteristics. Like spinal issues or flexibility problems. (for example, I know I will need the bars higher than "normal." He will figure out how much higher works best for me.)

Probably the first step to fitting a new style of bike is letting someone who is very good at it do it for you. If you haven't ridden a roadie before, you will need some guidance as to fit. Ride for a while, then go back to your fitter and tell them how things are working. Expect to pay for a good fit, and expect them to keep taking care of you at no extra charge until the fit is perfect. Even if it takes months.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Someone posted this good article recently- worth a read:
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

[inatree]

thanks for the replies!!

well i went out today to test drive....and ended up giving up before i got to the last two bike shops because:
-i have found that store employees have no tolerance for newbies, unless they themselves are newbies.
-when i told them my price range ($500) they practically laughed me out of the store.

BUT at this one place where the girl helping me was a newbie too, she was real nice and let me test drive a bike i could not possibly afford and told me i need a 51 to 52 inch. she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right? i'm considering buying online now ( :( ) just so i can afford it, and then spend the money to have it adjusted. i also need $ left over so i can get all the crap i need. (hence the low budget) ive got only 700 to blow on this little endeavor of mine. is this impossible? am i just being naive?

[Veronica]

Have you tried looking at Craig's list for used bikes?

V.

[Veronica]

You could also try looking here.


http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/BOBishBikesFS/

V.

[KnottedYet]

there are bikes within your price range. It might just take some time to find them. Bike shops often carry just a few brands. If you can narrow down the brands that come in your price range you'll have better luck. (Find a shop that carries your brands)

Try looking online at Kona and Marin and Jamis. (ok, Jamis is up higher than your limit, but look anyway)

Also try looking at Trek - they had a road bike that was around $700 that was featured in Bicycling.... someone tell me which one it was, my Mac won't operate the Trek site.

Others here on TE will have more ideas. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

:D

PS: REI is having a sale on their house brand, Novara. Something like 15-20% off. www.rei.com

[SandyLS]

My daughter bought a bike (the pink one) from Bikes Direct and has been very happy with it. http://www.bikesdirect.com/primalstuff1.htm

[inatree]

thanks!!

i am always looking on craiglist for stuff...but i havent found anything that i can afford or that will fit me. its hard finding something small enough for me. i havent seen anything on there in a while. also, im not driving right now, so i can only search for stuff in my city. i called the rest of the shops i was going to go to today and they either didnt have anything small emough, or not in my price range, etc. i was pretty intimidated by everyone's attitudes... i tried to get them to take it lightly that im a newbie and i tried joking around and everything but they wanted no part of it. not even on the phone :( i wish i knew someone around here who could help me, especially so i dont say dumb things, i can see their expressions change as soon as i start talking...lol!! i dont know all those cool bike words and phrases like you guys do. oh well...i'm not too sure what to do now, since if i bought online i would need to use my moms credit card because i dont have one. (no, im not a kid, im 27). i dont even want her to know about this. this is my special thing.

well, if anyone has any more ideas i am ALL ears!!

[inatree]

i saw bikedirect.com and the one bike i was interested in only comes in my size in pink. i know this is disgustingly vain, but i will not ride a pink bicycle.

[inatree]

this seems awefully cheap. is there something wrong with it? something i'm not seeing? whats the catch?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BT7Y86/ref=nosim/104-0594513-7935915?n=3375251

[KnottedYet]

The price is real, but I'd be kind of careful of any bike made by Kent. Honestly, the Schwinn down at the bottom of the page might do you better, and REALLY honestly, you'd do a whole lot better getting the Trek who's name I can't find, for $700. I know it's the top of your limit, but you would probably end up trying to buy the Trek later anyway, or at least trying to upgrade the components on a cheaper bike.

Does anyone remember the Trek on the cover of Bicycling a few months back?

Take a look at Raleigh, too. And Red Line.

http://www.raleighusa.com/depts.asp?deptid=5

This bike at REI comes in small, and is on sale.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47968693&parent_category_rn=4500865&saleMode=1&vcat=REI_HP_PP

And so does this one, and it's also on sale at REI
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48007853&parent_category_rn=4500865&saleMode=1&vcat=REI_HP_PP

[velogirl]

Try Family Cycling Center in Santa Cruz.

http://www.familycycling.com/

[ZinGurl]

i am going to test ride roadies soon. i'm a first-time buyer of a road bike.
as i am understanding it, fit is the most important thing.
how can you tell when the bike fits you right?

Whatever you do get fitted, it will make a riding so much move enjoyable.

[SadieKate]

Hey, quint! Great news that you found Fit to Ride.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

this seems awefully cheap. is there something wrong with it? something i'm not seeing? whats the catch?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BT7Y86/ref=nosim/104-0594513-7935915?n=3375251

Hmmm...click on the More Details linkn and read some of the unhappy customers' comments...

[madisongrrl]

she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right?

I would not agree that any bike can be fitted to you. For example, bikes that have long top tube lengths will never fit me (I'll never own a LeMond, for instance). While I'm sure many people can be fitted on a variety of different bikes, I don't think it is entirely accurate to say that any bike can necessarily be fitted to you (without compromising the way the bike handles and "should" handle on the road).

[quint41]

Tree -- It seems to me the shops should be discounting 2006 models soon to make way for their '07's. Keep an eye out for sales. You might be able to get a better bike for lesser money.

I know what it's like to not have the money -- everyone says you must spend at least several hundred dollars (if not more) to get a bike that barely passes inspection. (I ride in a group, and I'm hearing the same thing from them -- got to spend at least $1,000, $1,200, $1,500 -- come on! Easy for some people to say! I don't have that kind of money either!) Get what you can afford, even if it is a $500 bike. As time goes by and you have a little money here and a little money there, you can upgrade parts to make the bike better. Three years from now, you'll be riding so well you'll need a better bike, and you'll have more money to spend.

Just do yourself a favor and don't buy a bike from Toys R Us, Sports Authority, etc. Go to a bike shop. Ask if there is a woman you can speak with. Instead of joking and making light of being a newbie, tell them you are new at this and want to learn! Ask questions -- show me the deraillieurs, show me how things work. People with knowledge love to give it away! Test ride something, then leave that shop and go to another. You won't believe how quickly you'll gain knowledge and know what everyone's talking about. I'm a newbie, too, but have learned so much listening to my group friends, reading this board, and talking to bike salesmen. AND ASKING QUESTIONS!

After you visit several shops, you'll find one that you're comfortable with. Good luck!

[roguedog]

Hmm.. understand where you're coming from since I'm shopping myself.

I'd take Velogirl's suggestion to heart. She'd know.

In my travels I seem to have found Giant offered decent bikes for the price. I thought Specialized wasn't too bad either.

You're in luck in that it's just about the time when new inventory comes in so lots of shops are looking to get rid of 06 or even 05 stock. Don't give up.. just keep looking.

I was even going to the diff shops to try out the new bikes and figure out what size I am and to see which ones I had a penchant for so that I'd be somewhat more informed when looking on craigslist. Plus it's fun and I learn a lot.

Giant is offering their retailers some sort of discount right now til the end of the month so many of the Giant retailers are having sales.

It's hard looking for a bike if you're a smaller women cuz most shops have only like 1 bike for you to test ride. At least that's what I found. Just keep trying. I just have the attitude that if they can't treat me nice when I'm tryign to give them money.. heck, what are they gonna be like after the sale?? Just move on to a place that makes you feel welcome and will work with you.

[roguedog]

Oh and Fuji bikes are also good deals for what you get...

[inatree]

well i went to that LBS that velogirl mentioned and tried a few, but test riding is always a pain because they usually only have one or two bikes small enough for me to try. i did find one that felt pretty good, a trek 1000, the womens model im pretty sure (altho the salesguy didnt mention this, i dunno why) but i was wondering... it was a 43cm and even tho the guy swore it was my size, it felt a little small. i thought i was more like 48-50, and he did too, but he said the 43 seemed like a better fit. it did feel pretty good tho, no discomfort at all. i looked it up online and the next size up is a 47 i think but i doubt they have any, which means they'll have to order it, which costs. and it might be too big anyway. are the sizes really that different on different brands? is it actually worth tracking down a LBS in the city who has a 47 in that model just to try it out?
also this store does fitting when you buy a bike from them which i like because at other places its not included. i was going to pay to have it done anyway. i couldnt afford this bike right now, but they are having a big sale this weekend on road bikes and so i will come back and see if anything's affordable. but if i can get it, i'll be spending almost all my money. i wont be able to get the other stuff, but i have the necessities, most of them anyway. i'm just hoping i'll have enough left over to get a tire kit, pump and some tubes. i think thats the only real important thing i need, right? ive already got the helmet, lock, and lights from the other bike.

i bet i sound like such a dork.
:p

btw, i havent seen any giant bikes around here. it seems they are more affordable for me, but of course i havent seen any. :rolleyes:

[roguedog]

These are the Giant dealers in your area listed on the Giant site:


BICYCLE TRIP 1127 SOQUEL AVE
SANTA CRUZ CA 95062-2105
831-427-2580

ANOTHER BIKE SHOP 2361 MISSION ST.
SANTA CRUZ CA 95060
831-427-2232

Family Cycling Center 914 41st Ave.
Santa Cruz CA 95062
831-475-3883
merlin573@eaarthlink.net

BREAKAWAY BIKE SHOP 14410 BIG BASIN WAY
SARATOGA CA 95070
(408) 867-6100
breakawaybikeshop@gmail.com

Fuji Dealers (I'd call to confirm since site was broken and this was the 2005 listings)

SANTA CRUZ ADVENTURES, LLC.
303 POTRERO STREET
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
(831) 425-5858
robert@santacruzadventures.com

SPOKESMAN BICYCLES
231 CATHCART STREET
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
(831) 429-6062
mike@spokesmanbicycles.com


1576 DEL MONTE BLVD
SEASIDE, CA 93955
(831) 899-1300
bikenxs@redshift.com
Visit Web Site
Click for Map/Directions

CAMPUS BIKE SHOP
TRESIDDER UNION / 459 LAGUINITA DRIVE # 12
STANFORD, CA 94305
(650) 723-9300

I know the Campus bike shop stil has Fuji bikes and they have a 2005 Fuji Provence (WSD) for like 899. DOn't know if they have you're size. HOwever, they are nice in there but they're not a full service bike shop where they totally fit you and give you all sorts of attention.

Actually I found this to be true of the Giant dealers too. You have to be more selective with both of these. Since they are more mainstream you don't get the kinda of service like those who go buy Serottas. You can.. you just have to find the right shop is all I'm saying.

good luck