What questions to ask- buying new bike

[KristenT]

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

[Starfish]

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!

[KnottedYet]

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

[Zen]

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

[kat_h]

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.

[KristenT]

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!