Underwhelmed with new Amira
Sigh. So I was trying to wait to see what the new '14 models looked like, specifically if the new Amira's had the internal cable routing since all of the Ruby's and Dolce's did but after crunching some numbers I realized I needed to get one ordered sooner than later to avoid needing to sell my old bike first. So I went with the shop closest to me (rather than the one I was able to test ride at) because she's a small women owned shop (and happens to be Catholic to) and it's been nothing but a headache. First she was tragically busy when I went to order it and knew i was coming in. It was $30 more expensive than the shop I test rode at (I know, not a big deal for a good long term relationship), she over charged my debit card by accident and even though they fixed it, it caused a headache with my bank and delayed the bike getting in. Then during the fitting I felt a little rushed and when she needed to swap out the stem, she gave me a credit towards the new one but it still cost me another $25. (Something the other shop said they wouldn't do). Then I got it home and while I was peeling off the "warning, you could die if you don't read the manual" stickers, I found a scratch on the chain stay. It's not big, and I can't tell if it's just through the clear coat or it's actually affecting the frame, but when I spend $2500 on something, I don't like paying more for swapping a stem you'll resell and finding it damaged before I even get to ride it.
Then I got looking at it today compared to my old bike and yeah the wheel base is a little shorter and the stand over is lower, but I'm not seeing any real size difference in the two. I think I'm just getting cranky about the whole experience and now I'm looking to dislike it. Am I being totally *****y about the stem and picky about the scratch? Can I expect her to send it back and get a new one? If she does swap it out, am I going to have to pay for the new one to be fit? :(
Re: Underwhelmed with new Amira
I have to admit this reads like a first world problem. I suppose it all started when your card was overcharged and it gave a sour taste to what is meant to be one of the best things ever :)
Now, you seem to be comparing bike geometry by real life measurements. That means nothing irl. The geometry differences seem minuscule on paper, but good geometry goes a long way. And you will only know if it's a good geometry for you once you get some longer rides in.
As for the stem, if you didn't like the deal, you could have bought another and kept the original to sell online or something. But a $25 extra for a different stem doesn't seem bad to me, especially if it's not the same model.
Re: Underwhelmed with new Amira
I agree. I bet any Catholic would get really offended if someone were to say something like 'i bought my stuff from her because she wasn't a Catholic'.