First trip to the LBS--advice?

So I am going to brave my LBS (see how I've picked up the lingo already!) tomorrow and start my new bike inquest. I'm currently riding a Trek 800 sport mountain bike (although it has never been on a mountain!) and while it is comfy and sturdy, I'd like to move to a road bike.

My plan is to go in and tell them my goal (AIDS ride in 2009) and my currently riding level and see what they suggest.

I'm not ready to buy yet--this is kind of a fact-finding mission. Any advice on questions to ask?

Thanks!
:)

ambitious, an inquest is the investigation of an unexpected death.

however, good luck at the LBS and i hope they treat you right! (and if they don't, go to another one!)

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Originally Posted by AmbitiousGirl

I'm not ready to buy yet--this is kind of a fact-finding mission.
:)

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:D:D:D From the mouths of babes! Enjoy your new bike. Tell us all about it later ;)

Which shop are you headed to?

There are so many different bikes and different styles of bikes - my advice would be start riding and see what works - what you like - what you don't like.

CA

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

ambitious, an inquest is the investigation of an unexpected death.

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Oh no! That's what I get for posting before coffee! But I have to say my fear of clip in bike shoes has me a little worried about death!
:)

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Originally Posted by CA_in_NC

Which shop are you headed to?

CA

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I was planning on starting with the Bicycle Chain on Broad St. Where do you usually go?

There, actually. Talk to Chris - he knows quite a bit about bike fit and should be able to help you.

Caveat is - I haven't bought most of by bikes there. Not because I don't like them - just because I ride weird bikes (a Surly, a Bike Friday, my rd bike was used) - my Trek 520 did come from them. They've done all of the work on my bikes for quite a while. They have an awesome mechanic - Linus.

CA

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

ambitious, an inquest is the investigation of an unexpected death.

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But the second definition is just "an investigation or inquiry."

If you haven't already, spend some time looking online at various options from various brands--one thing I've noticed in my LBS is that they don't necessarily have in stock the bikes that interest me most online, so if you go in armed with information about what is generally available, you'll not only know more about what you are seeing, but also about what you are *not* seeing on the floor.

Have fun shopping!

Sarah

[QUOTE=mimitabby;355917]ambitious, an inquest is the investigation of an unexpected death.


Actually, that is the application it has come to have, but:

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French enqueste, from Vulgar Latin *inquaesta, feminine of *inquaestus, past participle of *inquaerere to inquire


It also means to inquire.

Barbara

Ask as many questions as you want - if they seem unwilling to give you an answer, or kind of laugh in your face, I suggest moving on. Try to test ride a couple of different bikes to see what is right for you.

I was completely clueless when I got my first bike. I just knew that I had to have one. I took it out for a 10 second test ride (I was really wobbly on the bike as well). Luckily for me, it turned out the bike was a good fit, and I had BF with me, he's been cycling for years, so that was helpful. If you know somebody who rides, I suggest you take that person along.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by AmbitiousGirl

I was planning on starting with the Bicycle Chain on Broad St. Where do you usually go?

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I like that shop. Friendly staff. (I'm a former Dukie). Out towards Sanford, there are a couple good shops with other brands (Cannondale, Cervelo, etc.) that seem pretty decent. I'm blanking on the names now, but I could try to look them up...

Yeah....I went on one of those "fact finding" missions last month. Came home 6 hours later with my new bike! ;)

I took my dad with me who has become obsessed with biking the past 4 years. He was very helpful with what I needed and wanted. The LBS I ended up buying at had a machine that could measure my arm length, leg length, etc., and fitted me with the right size bike. (The first few stores just eyed me and guessed which wasn't that helpful.) The LBS where I purchased my bike were very involved in helping me find the right bike for me as well as treating me equal to all the other customers in there. I'm not your typical fit bike chick and I really felt the first 3 stores didn't take me too seriously. It all came together, though, and I bought at the final store and have been very happy with my new ride and all of their help. Good luck and can't wait to hear what you decide on.

It could just be a simple quest.

Ride some bikes!
Have some fun!
Learn something new!

Sounds like you have some good shops out there.
Key things to remember...
They should be asking YOU questions, your goals, riding style, experience, etc. * If all they do is talk about themselves go elsewhere- they don't have your interest in mind.

they should always measure you to insure proper fit. If they just have you "straddle the top tube" go elsewhere.
There are many variables that go into bike fit and they really need to measure you.

Take a good long test ride. You really need to take some time to make sure the bike feels right. And try a couple so that you can feel the difference.

have fun!!

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Originally Posted by aicabsolut

I like that shop. Friendly staff. (I'm a former Dukie). Out towards Sanford, there are a couple good shops with other brands (Cannondale, Cervelo, etc.) that seem pretty decent. I'm blanking on the names now, but I could try to look them up...

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Hrm...Bicycle Chain has Cannondale and Trek. Some of their other stores have affiliated brands. Cycling Spoken Here and the Spin Cycle in Cary have lots of other road stuff - Klein, Seven, Serotta, etc, etc. Not sure about towards Sanford....

When were you at Duke?

CA