Good Qs to Ask When Buying for the First Time?

So I saw the post about "What kinds of bikes should I look for", so I will not be redundant in asking that one again. Short story is that I want to get into road cycling, mostly for exercise and leisure, and we'll see what happens. I have a bunch of friends who cycle and I live in Northern Virginia, where there is a huge cycling community. I am 5'3", with a shortish torso, long legs and a dancer's frame and muscle mass (petite, long and lean- I used to be one). I am also a bit poor, and I don't need anything crazy tricked-out b/c I'm a beginner, so I am looking for something good quality, yet affordable. My ex-boyfriend is a total bike snob, so my idea of what a reasonable brand is has been skewed and the only road bike I've ever ridden was a Giant, that I borrowed from a friend who is my height, but has shorter legs. I plan on visiting a few local bike shops and just testing some stuff and talking to the guys there. I know they will ask me a bunch of questions, but specifically what should I be asking THEM? Is there anything I should be looking for/watching out for? Any feedback is appreciated- and also, if anyone could suggest brands that I should take a look at, that would be great too.

What is your price range?

When I wasn't at all sure what was what about bikes- I found this website and link. It explains a lot about the components of road bikes, levels, what you might want to think about, etc. It helped me know enough to ask better questions ie, what's the cassette like, level of component, etc. I recommend it and hope it helps. I have a Giant TCRw (WSB) - in my searches, I found that I could get more of the compoents and frame that I wanted for less money with Giant. I'm sure others will have other good things to say, too.

http://bikeway.com/page.cfm?PageID=119

Good Luck and let us know how you make out. Liz

I have found, that to know what to ask, you need to know a little about bikes and bike parts -- there are a LOT LOT LOT of resources on the web, in books and magazines, and of course, this forum ... but, really, if you got some basics down, you will be OK and able to make a good choice. IMO, basics to know:

1. Your measuresments to get a "range of proper sizing" for BIKE FIT! Stores want to get rid of inventory, so they MAY sell you what they have in stock, not necessarily what is best for you, if you don't know a little about bike fit. Based on your measurements, would a women's specific frame be best for you (women usually have shorter torsos, longer legs, smaller hands)?
2. Know the tier of components: Shimano -- Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, etc.; Campagnolo -- Record, Chorus, Centaur, etc.; Sram -- Force and Rival.
3. What will you be using the bike for -- long rec rides (goals?), races, off-road, a little of both, etc., etc. Know your GOALS -- not what you can do now, but what you want to do. Your goals may change with time, but at least you know what you want to achieve which will help you choose a bike!
4. Budget? How much money are you willing to put into it. Do you want to put your money into frame versus components or better components and change frame later? OR, is this "THE BIKE" and you want best of everything you can afford at XYZ price -- no future upgrades?
5. Frame materials: so MANY choices -- maybe a little pros and cons of each type may help. It will probably go hand-in-hand with what you will use the bike for, component choices, and budget. Just know you can buy a "$10,000 bike" no matter what frame material you choose -- like the components, it is all a matter of what tier you want and can afford!

RESEARCH -- this month, both Bicycling Magazine and Road Magazine have bike and parts pick issues ... maybe worth looking at! Good Luck!

Ask them if they charge extra to swap out components. Usually, they shouldn't, if you are spec'ing a comparable quality part. They may have you pay the difference for upgrading parts. Also, in fitting you to the bike (another question - they will do it, won't they?), will they swap out the stem for one of proper length/rise for you?
As about service for the bike - most shops request that you bring the bike back after X hours of riding for a tune-up. Talk to the folks in their service department. If you are comfortable with the shop and the folks in the service department, you're more inclined to come back.
Remember, when you buy a bike from your LBS, you are (hopefully!) creating a relationship with a shop, not just buying an object to toss in the garage and forget about.

Based on your body size and shape, it sounds like you should concentrate on WSD (womens-specific design) frames, which have a shorter top tube, narrower handlebars, shorter-reach brake levers, etc. Good luck and have fun in your quest!

Emily

try reading this thread!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=12441

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

What is your price range?

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Sorry that I wasn't specific. I mean, I don't think it's necessary to go over $1,000, but then again, my only experience with even looking at bikes was with my ex, whose current bike is worth $5K. But I don't really need anything crazy. I just also don't want to buy something that's crappy.

check some of the bikes in my thread in the link above.