Freaking out (a little) about bike being built

[Ana]

I decided to splurge for a new bike. It just so happened that Lynskey had a really good price on a frame my size, plus I hunted down an awesome deal on a groupset. I have been really excited for the last week or so but recently, I have been getting uneasy.

This is the first bike I've purchased that I have not test ridden beforehand. The sales rep assured me that I would like it (I think that is part of his job) but I'm terrified: what if I go through all this time and expense and don't like it?

It's not a custom bike but I think it should fit well

If nothing else, I would be comforted to hear some of your stories about receiving a bike you've never test ridden and your experience with it (did you like it right away?). I'm expecting at least a few minor adjustments to get the fit right but what if it's not a huge improvement from my aluminum frame?

::deep breath::

[Veronica]

I had not ridden my Rivendell Legolas when I ordered it. It's not custom either. I've had it nearly three years now and still really love it.

Veronica

[tulip]

Did they do all sorts of measurements as if you were going to have a custom built bike and then compare those measurements to the bike you are getting?

I have a Luna that was not custom built for me. I did test ride it before purchasing, though, because I happened to be in New Mexico for another reason. However, Margo measured me up, measured the bike up, and said it was a good fit. And it has been perfect.

[Trek420]

I had not ridden my Mondonico or any Mondonico for that matter when I ordered mine. I met with the builder, he measured me, then he went off to Italy to sip espresso and build my bike.

I had a loaner Della Santa www.dellasanta.com from my LBS's fleet while I waited. I did think "If this is what custom steel feels like I'm going to like this."

My bike was finished maybe 2 months before my first AIDS ride. You know how they say don't make any major change to your bike before a multi day tour? Do as they say and not as I did but I love that bike!

[GLC1968]

I have bought 3 bikes prior to riding them.

The first was my Specialized Dolce Comp - they didn't have anything even close to my size to try in the bike I wanted, so I ordered it sight unseen. I liked it well enough, but it was about a year later that I decided that it wasn't the bike for me.

The second was my Terry Classic. I bought it used from a woman who put less than 50 miles on it. I liked it when I got it, but it was really hard to judge because there were a lot of changes that I needed to make before it was super comfortable. I still have it - it's my commuter.

The third was my Terry Isis. I'd never even seen one in person. I did all the geometry comparisons and ordered it online. They shipped to a local LBS for the build and I picked it up from them. I had a little fine tunning to do, but even though it wasn't set up 100% for that first ride, I'll still never forget it. I went out by myself at lunch one day and did my usual route. I did it MUCH faster than usual because I think I was so excited. Riding the bike felt like I was riding on glass...it was soooo smooth! Instant love. Turns out, lasting love too...I still adore this bike!

[jobob]

I had a Lynskey built up without ever test riding it, and it came out fabulous.

I had a semi-custom build, in that the dealer took the measurements off my current road bike (which fit me pretty well) and had them transferred more-or-less onto a Lynskey R230 frame using their "houseblend custom" program.

So it's not an off-the-shelf frame, but it's not one of their "pro builds" where they start from scratch and build up a bike to someones exact specs either, it's sort of in-between.

It's a big difference from my fairly heavy steel Riv - much lighter weight, and it's very easy to get up to speed.

I wrote about getting my first impressions here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=29763

I hope you like your Lynskey as much as I like mine.

[Ana]

I just e-mailed the rep with my dimensions and asking him about the fit.

I will definitely keep you informed after it arrives Oh, I'm still nervous.... I guess that is the advantage of test riding: you can fall in love with the bike at the shop and take it home immediately No time for anxieties.