WSD bikes and Cranky LBS owner

[bcipam]

I have a very good friend who runs a very sucessful bike shop and he does sell alot of Trek Pilots both regular and WSD. I sortof understand the reason your bike shop guy doesn't like the Pilot and the WSD bikes. I'm hoping he was actually much more patient with you and explained why the Pilot and and WSD appears "gimmicky" to him (as my friend and I have discussed this at length - he agrees with your LBS guy) and why it wouldn't be a good fit for you.

This is why I am an advocate of having a bike fit done by a professional fitter, someone not associated with a bike shop that sells certain brands. Shops are limited on the models and brands they can sell. They will push what they can sell. I have heard many women order a WSD style bike and are totally unhappy, thus forcing the shop to take back a bike they didn't want in the first place and can't sell. Just make sure the WSD model is really for you. The Pilot is a very upright bike. With the shorter top tube, you might actually be sitting bolt upright. Just not a good cycling position especially if you are serious about riding.

There is a misnomer about having to sit upright if you have shoulder/neck problems. I have a very serious neck/spine degeneration and I am fairly laid out on my bike. My back is almost paralell (sp?) to the top tube. I have no neck problems but I did have a good fitting and I can comfortably reach the handlebars, shifters, brakes etc and I have learned to strengthen my core muscles and ride properly.

The LBS guy is right, but then again so is the customer. I really think he was trying to do the right thing and not sell you a bike you won't in the long run, like. He could have just sold it to you (and it's not cheap!) and if you were unhappy, oh well, tough luck! I rather a shop refuse to sell me something if they thought it wasn't right for me.