Bike Sizing - How to get the right fit?

[caligurl]

i'm beginning to think there are no good shops!

the closest one.. which is where my hubby got his bike.. does HORRIBLE tune ups and he refuses to take it back! the next closest... they were more trying to push other bikes off on me...

drove to huntington beach specivically to go to supergo... but checked out performance first... they actually had a bike i liked (OCR1.. very pretty!) but the buy ticked us off cuz he said we had to buy the bike before they would make any ajustments (seat height, etc) to see if it actully fit me.. my husband was livid! "you mean we have to buy it first.. then if it doesn't fit her... we are stuck with a bike that doesn't fit????"

of course.. supergo wasn't that much better.. we asked about the computer fit.. they took me and the bike to the area... but then.. .just like a carsalesman.. another guy came and started in telling us we needed shoes, shoes, etc first.. so hubby said.. fine.. we'll get some.. so i got the shoes.. some shorts.. and then they still didn't do the computer.. they basically raised the seat and asked if i could see the hub... i guess they wanted to go home as it was closing time..

hindsite says i should have left and either gone back another time.. or to another bike shop...

*sigh*

[pedalfaster]

I don't make it a habit, as an LBS employee, to slam other shops, but I think your chances of getter better, more personalized service will go up if you visit a few privately-owned independent bike shops. The Supergos and Performances are great places to pick up bargains...once you know what you are doing, but IMHO they don't offer very good service. Look for a shop where all of the employees actually ride. Find out which ones sponsor races, rides and other community events. If they offer women/beginner rides and clinics even better.

If a shop refuses to adjust a saddle height or swap out pedals for a test ride, thats a good sign to run (not walk) out the door.

Most independent shops will not take back a bike unless there is a warranty issue. But then most good shops don't need to if they've done their job and sold the correct bike to the customer.

In my perfect dream-bikeshop I'd have a fleet of rental bikes in all styles and sizes. You wouldn't even be allowed to buy a bike until you had ridden it for at least a month.

[caligurl]

*sigh*.. like i said.. hind site.. *sigh*

you say independents don't take returns... but supergo is a chain.. so do you think they may? or should i just save my sanity and not frustration and not even ask?

[bounceswoosh]

Being able to testride a bike on a real trail is huge, especially for mountain bikes -- riding around a parking lot just can't mimic the type of terrain you'll encounter.

But man, sometimes ... I ended up not buying a Klein Palomino because the bike shop couldn't get the shifting working on their demo bike ... even after I brought it back a few times. They told me it was just the demo bike. Like I'm gonna buy a 2K+ bike because they *tell* me it's gonna shift properly, honest. Yeah right. Anyway, in that case, they would have been a lot smarter *not* to let me demo the bike. Unless maybe they were trying to steer people away from the bike without actually saying so ...

Er, hi. I've rambled enough now.

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by caligurl
you say independents don't take returns... but supergo is a chain.. so do you think they may?

Originally posted by caligurl
ok... i gotta ask.. (cuz i'm too chicken to call the shop)...

Some independents take returns. Some don't. Some chains take returns. Some don't. Why are you afraid to call and ask them? What's the worst thing that could happen? It doesn't hurt to ask nicely. Even if their policy is to not take returns, they may consider an exchange or store credit if you have extenuating circumstances.

[hibiscus09]

I finally tracked down the guy in my LBS today and he said they had already started production of 2005s at Trek and weren't going to make any more of the bike I had already paid for that was backordered. The 2005s come out in August. I had ordered a Trek Bonnie (beachcruiser).

Well, since I've waited since April and still no bike, I just told him I'd rather get a different bike -- so now I'm waiting for a Giant Simple 7. Anyway, it's cheaper and he said he would give me a good deal on it since I've been so patient, so I'll be getting money back. It's supposed to come in next week -- cross your fingers. LOL

[Dogmama]

In both of your cases, I would ask to speak to the manager and calmly tell him/her that if your situation is not resolved to your satisfaction, you are going to the Better Business Bureau.

Lotsa luck!

[hibiscus09]

Thanks, dogmama! My husband has a business -- he's a car dealer -- and he mentioned consumer affairs. However, if I get a bike next week and get a decent deal, I'll be okay with all of this. I doubt I'll be buying bikes from this place in the future. I don't blame them for Trek's inability to produce the bike, however, I think they should have gone out of their way to stay in touch with me on this matter, which they didn't. I had to call 3 times for their every 1 time of returning a call. Not good.

[Dogmama]

I routinely avoid Supergos, Performance, etc. like the plague. We used to have only independent shops, but slowly (like amoebas) the chains are moving in.

I *finally* found a good lbs. It is a small, independent, hole-in-the-wall been here forever shop. (drum roll) They fixed my shifting! One of my springs was broken, the others were worn out (10 years, I'd expect that!), the changed cables & it shifts like a dream! And cheaper than any other shop in town too! PLUS,they told me that the cables will stretch so bring it back in anytime & they'd adjust it again while I wait (I think I know that adjustment, though, so I can pass).

The big chains have bought up several independents. When I mentioned to one of them that I thought that was a shame, they just didn't understand it! They said that people drove hundreds of miles from Tucson to Phoenix to save $$ at their shop. Like that is all there is...

I had my custom bike made at a really small LBS. Then, the owner started expanding. Guess what? His service went into the toilet, his salespeople were clueless and his stock was worthless. They were eventually bought out by Supergo.

OK, rant off.

[caligurl]

well i think, overall, i have learned that next time i get a bike.. i will go to a smaller shop. however.. i don't think that will be a while.

supergo did redeam themselves pretty much today. i didn't plan to go back until next weekend (they are over 2 hours from us).... however.. when i fell off my bike cuz i counldn't unclip (and i had just turned a corner without safely stopped for being unable to unclip) hubby said we were going back and getting new pedal NOW.

i was set for a fight (well.. for hubby to fight)... but fortunately it was a different manager and he was very accomodating! we got speedplay x-3's... we also got price matched on my shoes which were 40% off this week! woo hoo!

we even ended up buying more stuff! including some really cool oakley's for me! lol!

we got home to late to go for a ride with the new peddles.. but i did some practicing on the trainer.. HUGE difference! and the float! WOW!

[hibiscus09]

I'm glad you were able to get the new pedals. It made a big difference for me to switch to the Speedplays.

LOL, on the Oakley's -- my sweetie just bought me new Oakley's about a month ago -- I love them!