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.

[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!!

[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