Rent a Trek Madone?!

[TrekTheKaty]

Swung through the St. Louis Trek store today, hoping to see which Madone's they had in stock. They had a few 4.2's, but no 5.2 or 5.5's. A helpful employee told me they didn't have any in stock, but they JUST started renting them--$40 first day, $20 second day.

I'd much rather take the bike on my normal hilly route, instead of riding around the parking lot before I drop a chunk of change. He was pushing the project one, so maybe they hope you will rent, then custom order your bike.

I also politely informed them that, just because I'm a girl, I don't want pink on my bike. "Yeah, we get that a lot."

[marni]

since I am eventually considering a madone 5.2 through the project one end, I would so rent one for a week or so to try it out. However, that is not an option around here.
SIGH....

marni

[suzbyrd]

I just bought a Madone 5.2 and it is the best bike Ihave ever had. worth the $. I wouldn't want to rent a bike of any kind bc it takes a while to get it fitting my body. One day just wouldn't do it.

[Jo-n-NY]

I think that the bike rental is a great idea, however I wonder if liability insurance for the shop would sky rocket that would dampen a great idea in some areas.

[TrekTheKaty]

I tried project one, but it would only let me select a 6 series. I downgraded all the components and still ended up @ $4900. I'll have to ask again. He recommended it to get away from the pink.

I am worried about renting, but I'm also worried about buying and not LOVING it

[westtexas]

I also politely informed them that, just because I'm a girl, I don't want pink on my bike. "Yeah, we get that a lot."

I know this is off topic but... some of us do!

[Aggie_Ama]

I rented a Specialized Safire from my LBS before I bought my old Gary Fisher. Totally ruled everything about the bike out as far as fit. None of this was very obvious in the parking lot. I test rode my bike in the parking lot before ordering and felt like it was an okay fit but wasn't sure on the 29er, so I rented one (well the HT version). By the time I returned it I was sold and realized it was the best fit I had ever rode (did almost 40 miles of trail in 24 hours).

On my road bike I did a ride on a hilly road near the shop (a different local shop that didn't rent) and thought it felt right. Then on a long ride within the first month or so I was in terrible pain. After multiple bike fits it turns out the top tube is actually a bit too long and the bike will probably never feel dialed in. It makes me so sad and so frustrated to have a bike that I was excited to get and find out I was wrong because they wouldn't allow a long test ride.

Not sure what your reservations are exactly about renting but I think it is a wonderful idea and will do it if possible on ALL future bike purchases.

[Owlie]

I would love to be able to rent a bike before buying it. I have a hard enough time testing bikes out to begin with, and I'd love it if I had the opportunity to take it out on a ride that's longer than a mile or two.

[TrekTheKaty]

Well, she's home for 24 hours. All the guys at the shop smiled and said, "You'll never go back!" I may have some pink tires for sale in the future, westtexas!

[pinsonp2]

If you end up wanting to sell those pink tires, let me know. I have the 5.2 and would like a spare set.

Hope you enjoy the bike!

P2

[westtexas]

Well, she's home for 24 hours. All the guys at the shop smiled and said, "You'll never go back!" I may have some pink tires for sale in the future, westtexas!

I'd love to take a look at them! What I have found about having pink on your bike is that there are a million shades of pink. One company's hot pink is another's baby pink!

[TrekTheKaty]

We returned the rental today and asked how much and lead time to order. They pulled it up on the computer and said, "not available." Went to a second shop and they couldn't find one either, but couldn't decide if I should order a 50 or 52. Called my regular bike shop and they said I needed a 52 and they had one on the floor. My current Trek is a 50 and hubby thought the 50 Madone looked right. This is why I didn't want to go bike shopping! I'm headed out of town until Tues, then a preliminary fit at one shop on Wed. If he says 52, I'll go back and see if the other 52 is still there. I'll keep you posted on those tires. There won't be any negotiating anymore!