Be careful at the LBS's

[Toni]

So I am a brand new rider and I just posted Sunday night that I purchased a 50 cm 2005 Trek 5000 (mens version). I originally wanted the TREK 1500 WSD. I went to a large bike store here in Houston and they did not have it. Soooo, I let the salesman talk me into a "carbon" bike for right at $2000.00. I do admit when I rode it I loved it! They did not "fit" me with any type of measurements or put me on a roller or anything. I did not know any better. Then again, I have not ridden a bike in over 15 years. I told him I had not researched the bike and I would when I got home. I was so excited about getting the bike that I came home (not able to ride, it was dark!) and posted here on the forum.

I could not sleep wondering if I made the right decision (that's a large chunk of change!). I got out of bed at 4 am and started surfing the net about being "fit" for a bike and information about the difference between the 2005 and the 2006. Well, needless to say, I WAS PISSED.

On Monday I went to another bike store close to my work and was "fitted". Guess what? My femur is too long for even a 51 cm bike. My perfect bike is a 2006 54 cm TREK 5000 WSD ($200.00 less than the 2005). The 2006 is carbon, but not built in the USA, hence the price drop. So I bought this bike and drove the other one back for a refund.

I was upset that a store would try to sell me a bike without fitting me. Just wanted to share.

[spokewench]

That is absolutely pathetic I'm glad that you were able to sort it all out and get somethign that fit you better.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Hey Toni - I'm really sorry to hear about your experience. Plus all that money you spent in addition to all the nonsense.

If you've been in the biking game, then yes you'd naturally expect a fitting. However, bike shops should fit everybody regardless of whether they are newbies or pro's. I mean unless someone specifically says NO. People who have been out of riding or new altogether, need a fitting and any reputable bike shop needs to do that.

Tell people about it locally, hopefully someone else will be spared what you've had to go through

[Bluetree]

Terrible experience, although I am glad you were able to get your money back!
When I got my first bike a few weeks ago, the fitter at my LBS was very kind to me. I wanted to get the fanciest computer they had but he put his hands up and said, "No, I don't want you to get one yet." He wanted to make sure that I had my form down first before I started looking at numbers. Had to get the basics down before I started looking at the details. That made me trust that he had my best interest at heart -- and it will make to go back to the same place to buy the fanciest/shmanciest computer out there... when the time comes.

[Bikingmomof3]

Toni,
I am glad you went with your gut, were able to return the one bike and took your business elsewhere. Enjoy your new book. Having a good bike store that you trust is crucial.

[DDH]

Well, I am glad you got your money back and was able to get something that you really liked and fit you.

I hope you gave the salesmen at the other store a small piece of your mind, for treating you like that. That reminds me of the salesmen that sell cars or mechanics that try to cheat women because they thing we know nothing. Thank goodness for the internet.

[Toni]

I gave the manager of the store a large piece of my mind over the phone before I brought it back...when I got there they actually wanted me to buy the "right" bike from them...I told them in no uncertain terms that I had already bought it from another bike shop. Yes, thank goodness for the internet!!

[Running Mommy]

And thank goodness for a refund policy!! Some shops are weird like that!
I have to ask tho... Was that a large chain? I've found here that the large chain is HORRIBLE when it comes to fitting a person! I swear any bike shop that does what I call the "standover top tube crotch fit" should be banned from the business forever more!! That was the 70's!!! This is 2006! arghhh!!!
ahhh this just makes me shake my head!! And let me tell you, I've been a victim before! Oh yes I have!! I'm so squat that even the smallest bike is almost too big for me. So before I knew better I got alot of "well if we change out the stem, and shim the brakes.. blah blah blah!!!" NEVER AGAIN!

When it came time to go tri specific I called trisports.com down in Tucson and made an appt. I was measured every which way! Even found out one arm is WAY longer than the other.. who knew??!! But the point being my bike FITS and I LOVE riding her!! Imagine that?? A well fitting bike can make your ride more enjoyable!!

[KSH]

Selling a person a bike without FITTING the bike before he/she leaves the store... it just downright irresponsible on the LBS's part.

This is why we buy $600+ bikes, and not the the $100 Wal-Mart special. We buy a bike that fits our body.

When I first bought my bike, I told them I wanted a bike computer. The LBS sold me on one without cadence saying that only racing pros use cadence. WRONG! Any person who rides a road bike and wants to improve and know when to shift up/down should use cadence. So, I ended up spending $60 on computers, vs. just $40 if I had purchased the one with cadence right off.

[Toni]

The "wrong" bike was bought at Bike Barn in Clearlake. The shop that was so good (and very helpful) was Bike Barn in Rice Village. Same chain of stores, but huge difference in the personel.

[kaybee]

Toni, I had the same thing happen to me last year, except I was lucky that I only bought a $600 Giant (which I will be attempting to sell on Ebay soon). I rode that thing for a year before I ended up buying a Specialized Ruby. I'm so sorry this happened to you, but happy that you got your money back, and that you found TE. You will find a wealth of information here, and very generous, supportive women who are willing to share their knowledge and help those of us who are not so knowledgeable about all things biking. (Hang around here for a while and you'll learn lots! )

Enjoy your new bike!

KB

[Kalidurga]

With all of the options out there, buying a bike has become like buying a car. You really do have to do some research and shop around. I feel fortunate that I love the bike I bought this year, and the guys at Hudson Trail Outfitters (Gaithersburg, MD) were great in advising me on sizing. I was concerned about the top tube being higher than I was used to, but they watched me ride the bike and assured me that it would be fine. Then I was told to ride it for a month or so and then come back for a fitting. If the shop had a Serotta fit system, it would have been an even better experience. I've since had a Serotta fitting at another shop and feel that I made a good, albeit over-eager, choice.

Since then, though, I have to admit to having moments of anxiety about having bought the first bike I tested. Other shops I went to either didn't know what they had, or just stood and talked to me about bikes. HTO was the first place I went where they pulled the bike down and said "Go ride it". Smart guys-- of course putting it in my hands made me fall in love with it. If I had done more research and insisted on test rides at other shops, I may have ended up with the same bike, but I wouldn't have had any second thoughts about my decision.

I'm glad things worked out in the end for Toni, but sorry that her situation was so difficult. Anyone considering a new bike who hasn't already been through the process should definitely read this thread.

[bcipam]

Toni - good story and one I'll tell friends and other newbies.

The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone about buying a bike is be prepared and educated. Do some research first. Check forums such as these for advice. Just know there are some real essentials before buying no matter the price. We have a joke here especially about osme of our larger, national shops "Oh you like the color? Well that bike fits you well!" Can't tell you how many newbies I've told to take the bike back and ask for a different size. Generally the bikes are sold too small. I guess if you pay $400 for a too small bike it's OK (well not really) but $2000? That's criminal! People please - insist that you be waited on by someone who understands fitting a bike before buying!

[HillSlugger]

Kalidurga,

I also live in the MD suburbs of DC and I *really* want a new bike (probably have to wait a while tho ). What other bike shops did you try? Feel free to take this off the board with a private message.

Thanks, Nicole

[mimitabby]

Toni - good story and one I'll tell friends and other newbies.

The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone about buying a bike is be prepared and educated. Do some research first. Check forums such as these for advice. Just know there are some real essentials before buying no matter the price. We have a joke here especially about osme of our larger, national shops "Oh you like the color? Well that bike fits you well!" Can't tell you how many newbies I've told to take the bike back and ask for a different size. Generally the bikes are sold too small. I guess if you pay $400 for a too small bike it's OK (well not really) but $2000? That's criminal! People please - insist that you be waited on by someone who understands fitting a bike before buying!

oh, my goodness you reminded me. We know this poor soul, a 6'4" guy, kind of lonesome, lacking social skills. he invited us to his house so we could see his bike. it was MY size. the poor guy folded up into this bike and rode up and down his street to show us how he was doing. (He knows my husband is
a serious cyclist) his knees were practically to his chest and it looked so awful!
We gently told him the bike was small for him. (they told him at the store that it would be a great starter bike for him) My husband adjusted the seat as much as he could which gave him a few more inches but geez, what were those people thinking when they sold him that bike!!???