Getting a bike!

[pooks]

Wow. Now that's a pretty bike.

[cosc]

Rij73, she is going to be one delicious bike.

[rij73]

I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!

[Zen]

How do you go about buying a bike without riding it first? I mean, how could you compare the frame geometry? Crank length? Handlebar tilt angle? I'm not sure I'm asking this right but I think you can figure out what i mean. People usually do eventually.

[rij73]

Well, I know there is some risk. But, I did ride several bikes in local shops and made notes about the comfort of each. I decided I definitely wanted carbon, and I definitely needed a top tube length of 525 with a 90mm stem. I also knew that I wanted a compact crankset at 170mm and short reach levers. The only way to get exactly that in my budget was through buying a frame on Ebay and getting it built by GVH Bikes. GVH will build up your frame to any specification you choose, and his prices and turn-around time are amazing. There was just no way I was going to be able to buy locally as much as I would have liked to.

So, I figure that, yes, there is some risk... But, I think that the worst that can happen is that I would need a different stem and maybe some adjustments of the handlebar placement. The frame comes with quite a bit of steerer tube, so I don't think there is much to worry about. There is a lot of room to play with to get the fit dialed in.

Just wish me luck!