Bike shopping

[MichelleOH]

Hi, everyone. I was here years ago, but can't remember my name/password, so I'm starting over.

I want to get back in to riding. I live in an area of Ohio where we have something like 300 miles of bike paths and I really did enjoy jumping on my bike back in the day.

A couple years ago, I got a wild hair and sold my Giant Kronos (not the best bike, but it fit me like a glove) with a saddle I loved and SPD clips for under $40. Anyway, if I could stop kicking myself for that one it would be nice. I just keep telling myself I will be happier in the long run....and I know I will be. Just that if I hadn't sold her, I wouldn't be shopping.

Anyway, my local bike shops carry Cannondale, Giant and Trek. The shop I liked the best and spent the most time with me is strictly Trek. I went in thinking hybrid (I'm a birder and wanted something that I could ride for fitness and ride more casually for birding), but now I'm back to thinking I want a road bike. There is also a shop that sells Bianchi, but they are a bit out of the way for me. There is a shop that carries Jamis, but I was NOT impressed with the sales pitch when I asked why I should choose them over a dealer that is closer to me.

My budget is negotiable to around $1000. $600-$700 would be great as I could add the things I want (clipless/computer/etc.) with the extra room.

I know I need to test ride a bunch of bikes, but in researching for a couple weeks I seem to be getting MORE confused. Does anyone have suggestions on models to start with?

Sorry for the ramble, but I really am at the point where I feel like throwing my hands in the air. I'm making this harder than it should be!

[Caddy]

When you say ride more casually for birding, does that mean a dirt/grass/gravel path? Or will you still be on a road? Hybrids are heavier bikes with front suspensions and if you are primarily on a paved path, much slower than a road bike. A good alternative is a cyclocross bicycle, which is basically a road bike with a higher clearance and can take wider tires so that you can go on an off-road path if you would like (but nothing too crazy). You might look at touring cycles too, as they normally run sturires and are in a more relaxed position.

What size are you? It might be more or less difficult finding bikes to test ride depending on your size.

Definitely test ride a lot of brands and as many bikes as you can. Keep in mind the differences between the test ride conditions - i.e. hills, potholes, path type, etc. when making your choice.

I just went bike shopping with my husband and it took us about two weeks hitting 15 shops.

Right now is a great time to shop because stores are clearing out their 2011 models for 2012 stock. Sometimes you can talk them down a bit more, so if you really like a bike but it's a hair over your budget, still consider it.

If you find a bike you really like but is out of your price range, try finding an older used model. Oftentimes, the geometry is still similar and the components haven't been upgraded much.

Hope I haven't confused you further and good luck!

[Velocivixen]

Hi Michelle,
I, too, am a birder. I started with a Trek FX 7.3 hybrid which I bought Oct. 2011 and I have already "upgraded" to a 2011 Surly Cross Check. It is categorized as a "cyclocross" bike, however folks in the Portland Metro area LOVE this bike. It comes with slightly knobby tires, Ritchey SpeedMax at 700x32c, but my shop sold it with Panaracer Pasela TourGuard for more urban riding. It can take big tires, up to 45 I believe, can easily mount fenders, racks front and back, you name it! It is steel, but is lighter than my aluminum Trek. Has drop bars with bar end shifters which took me a minute to get used to. It has a compact double crank and 9 speed in the rear. Cost $1025 and is well worth it. I've had mine for about 6 weeks so far and I can't say enough so far. I'm getting the SKS Longboard fenders since it rains a lot here and either a Carradice "Barley" or Zimbale 7 Liter saddlebag which will fit my cable lock/U-lock, binoculars and room for tools, sandwich, sweater, etc.
Surly is a good company and make great bikes. The Long Haul Trucker touring bike and the Cross Check literally have a cult like following! Great bikes for the cost. I think any brand of Cross bike, especially if it's steel, will meet your needs and you won't grow out of it too fast like I did.

[indysteel]

Just my two cents: By the bike that fits you, your goals and your price range. Don't worry about where it's from. I know lots of people feel uncomfortable doing this, but you do not have to have it serviced at the same place you bought it from. While I do think it's great to have loyalty to a shop, I don't think that means you need to limit yourself to the bikes they sell. If a shop doesn't get that, then they arguably don't deserve my loyalty. They make more on service than the purchase of the bike anyway.

FWIW, I think Jamis makes some great bikes, especially for their price point. Plus, I like steel, especially when compared to lower end aluminum bikes.

[MichelleOH]

So far, I have been sized on a men's 20" Trek 7.3FX, but it's a touch too large, so I'm waiting for them to get a WSD 19" to try for size. I have not ridden or been sized on any road bikes yet. Will be riding bike paths 99.9% of the time (a few roads to get to the path).

I really am not concerned about the birding aspect of biking...as I think I would rather ride for fitness than bird, for the most part. I might toss my book and binoculars in a bag, but knowing how I was years ago, I won't be happy with bigger tires and slower riding.

And, indysteel, yes -- I agree about bike shops. I can buy the bike anywhere and have it serviced at my favorite LBS. I just really like the guy that helped me and *wanted* to buy from them. Of course, since they only carry Trek it really limits me and I do want to ride several brands before deciding.

[clbikerchick]

I am new to road cycling and didn't have a lot to choose from in my area, but I recently bought a Trek Lexa SL and I am loving it. I got a 2011 on sale for $799(reg $1100 I believe), right now seems to be when bike shops have their bikes on sale to make room for the 2012 bikes. I also test rode a Cannondale for around the same price but liked the Trek better for me.

[Velocivixen]

@MichelleOH, if you lived in my area I'd let you try my Trek 7.3 FX 19" WSD for a ride. I'm selling it!

[MichelleOH]

Thanks.

[Owlie]

I love the SW Ohio trail network. I usually ride on the Little Miami trail, but I'm moving up to Dayton this week and will have to check out the Creekside trail and whatnot up there. Which shops are you looking at? I need a bike shop. (You can PM me, if you like.)

Buy what meets your goals and fits you best within your budget. Jamis makes nice bikes (I've been looking at the Quest Femme as my next bike), as does Surly. I've never ridden steel, but people tell me it's nice. (If I had my way, I'd have a carbon (or really spiffy aluminum) go-fast bike and then a steel one just because.)
I would also add that you might consider buying a little more bike than you think you need right now. I have an entry-level Giant, and while I do like it and have a soft spot for it, I didn't think I'd get as into it as I have and want to buy a new one. That's not going to happen for a while.

Test-ride some of everything. Hybrids, flat-bar road bikes, drop-bar road bikes...something of everything.

[MichelleOH]

Hi, Owlie, and thanks for the advice. I replied to your Dayton thread earlier this afternoon. U.D.? Depending on where you live now you could take Creekside to the Little Miami Trail and ride home.

[Owlie]

Hi, Owlie, and thanks for the advice. I replied to your Dayton thread earlier this afternoon. U.D.? Depending on where you live now you could take Creekside to the Little Miami Trail and ride home.

I actually just saw your response in the other thread. Whoops! Not UD, WSU, so I'm further out of town. And that would be quite a ride 17.4 from the access point nearest me, and then 50 to the trail access point near my house, then 3 (all uphill!) back home--I don't think my legs are there yet! (Though it would be a pretty epic ride...)

[MichelleOH]

My LBS has a 2010 Pilot 2.0 left over and wants $900 (that's around 850+tax) for it out-the-door. From what I'm seeing from the Trek 2012 line, it falls in line with the LexaSL/1.5 models, would that be about right? Those models are listing at $1150. The Pilot originally sold for $1150 in 2010 and is now two models old.

I rode it today and it felt okay, but I didn't go far as I had sandals on and the seat was way too far forward (which we didn't notice until I got back to the store). I didn't have time to adjust and ride again.

Does anyone have this bike or know anything about it? It's got 25c tires v 23c, but I'm not sure if I'll notice that difference. It has Tiagra components and a carbon fork.

Thoughts?

[MichelleOH]

And, now, three hours later...another bike gets thrown into the mix. A small LBS that basically deals in recumbants and used stuff has a 2010 Pilot 2.1 with 800 miles on it for $700 (plus tax, but has a computer). I put a deposit on it and he is going to clean it up for me.

Thoughts on this one?

[Velocivixen]

It looks to have softer geometry than a racing bike. Are looks important? Do you like the looks? How do you plan to carry birding stiff? Would you want fenders? A rack for a pannier (to carry binoculars?). Will it meet your needs in regard to riding and birding? Just some things to think about.

[MichelleOH]

Thanks, Velocivixen. I've pretty much nixed the birding idea. I might put a rack/bag on it to carry my stuff if I really want to.

I'm just worried mostly about fit. Can't find geometry specs for the 2010 Trek Pilot line. The top tube might feel a little higher on the non-wsd model. Going out now to ride both and take some measurements.