What questions to ask- buying new bike

Hey all--

I've looked back through the archives in this category for answers to my question, but haven't really found what I'm looking for.

I've owned a flat-bar road bike for coming up on 2 years now; it's got about 1700 miles on it, commuting and recreational rides (longest stretch was a 67-mile ride).

I'm going to purchase a road bike in the next few months, and want to make sure the bike I get is the "right" one for me.

So. I'd like to get a womens-specific bike; I'm 5'8" with the typical long legs and average-sized torso. I've never been fit for a bike before.

What questions should I be asking? I've sort of got it figured out what I'd like (something with a triple, and good components; AL frame with carbon fork would be nice)... but know that there are lots of options out there and shouldn't get things so firmly fixed in my mind that I miss something else just as perfect. :)

Thanks!!

Kristen

Just as part of the puzzle, check out the recent thread "Terry Bike Videos" posted by Mimitabby. That will be some great info for you! I know others will weigh in here, too. Have fun shopping!

Kristen, is that a 1990's Subie Legacy sedan in your avatar?

I was wondering about that avatar as well.
Is that legal to have a car as an avatar ;) ?

When I found the right shop they answered questions before I thought to even ask them. I went to a couple of places that wanted to basically just tell me which bike to buy 2 minutes after I walked in the door. Finally I went to a place that started by asking what sort of riding I did, what I wanted to do, what I've ridden before. I had a bike in mind when I went in there but I didn't mention that right after. After talking for a few minutes the bike-shop-guy suggested exactly the bike I'd gone there to look at. When you find a good shop they'll know what questions you need to ask.

Car in my avatar: 1991 Nissan Sentra SE-R, prepared for stage rally-- my other hobby. :) Not sure if it's "legal" to have it as my avatar, but I love that car, and love driving it, so... :)

Bike advice: I went on an information-gathering mission this afternoon; I think I've narrowed it down to a couple of bikes, but need to test-ride a bunch before I really make up my mind.

Plus, I want to make sure I don't get it so set in my mind about a WSD-bike when maybe I'd be okay with a men's bike... Sigh.

I'm excited about getting a new bike, but didn't think it would be this hard! :)

Cyclo-cross bikes: the "rally car" of the bike world.

(I have 2 steel cyclocross bikes, they compare favorably with a Subaru Impreza:D)

(Peter Solberg would ride one. :p)

I think you're right to test rides some bikes. I also think you're right to not rule out men's bikes. I would stick to shops that are willing to spend some time with you on fit. If all they do is have you stand over the bike, either be prepared to go elsewhere or express some concern that the bike really does fit you, i.e., is the top tube and stem the right length for your torso; are the handlebars the right width; can you comfortably get your hands around the brifters (brakes/shifters); are your your knees relative to the pedals in the right position? Ideally, the shop includes a comprehensive fitting with the bike purchase, but my experience is that most don't. I, for one, made sure that my bike was roughly a good fit when I bought it. Then I took it to another shop for a comprehensive fitting for about $150. It was money well spent.

Ask them if they're willing to do some swaps if necessary to make the bit fit correctly. You'll also want to ask them about service after the bike purchase, i.e., are there any free or discounted tuneups and do they offer any discount for all the accessories you're going to need?

Beyond that, it really comes down to taking the bike out for a ride and seeing how you feel on it and how it handles.

Hi everyone!

I got my bike yesterday!! Thanks so much to everyone for your tips and info; it was all very helpful.

I got a Trek 2.3T WSD (T for triple, WSD for women's specific design)... I tried a bunch of other bikes, at a couple of different places.

The first place had me try a 1.2 WSD on a trainer but it was obvious that it was the wrong size; I felt like I was riding a kiddie bike. So then I got on a couple of men's bikes, and they didn't feel right, either.

So we went to a couple of other places, couldn't find anything I liked.

The last place we went to had some very knowledgeable and helpful sales people; I rode a couple of men's bikes but Matt (the guy sales person) thought that even though the frame was the right size, in theory, I was really stretched out trying to reach the hoods. So he dug up the one I ended up buying, and it was PERFECT. Ashley (the gal sales person) set it up for me on the trainer and checked over all the fit points. You coulda run a plumb line from my kneecap to the correct spot on the pedal and it would have been perfect.

Seat height: perfect. Reach: perfect. Ride: perfect. Comfortable, zippy, I love it.

When I figure out how to do pics, I'll post! :)

Thanks again!
Kt

Ooh! I just looked one up online. It's a beauty and looks like a really good value too. Enjoy! :D