Shortie Newbie ISO Cool Bike

[Shimpie]

Well....LA is a big town. If you're dealing with Helen's Cycles, you must be on the West side. I've only had experience with a couple bike shops in the San Fernando Valley. I'll throw in my recommendation for Valley Bicycles. http://valleybicycles.com/site/intro.cfm They were very nice to me regarding some repairs and new pedals. They deal in Treks and Lemonds. I don't remember seing Specialized or Cannondales in the shop though.

Hey let me know what bike you finally decide upon. I'm a hair above 5 feet tall on a good day. I currently ride a 47 cm Trek 2000 WSD. It's aways good to know what works for others just as short as me. Any reason you ruled out Treks?

-Shimpie

[robyn_jl]

Shimpie wrote: "Any reason you ruled out Trek?"

I definitely didn't rule it out, but so far I haven't had much luck with it. The only Trek I actually tried was a Pilot 2.1 and I thought it felt too big for me and wasn't crazy about the higher-up position -- but the guy in the bike shop gave me the super hard sell, and that put a bad taste in my mouth ("Listen, this is probably the only bike in the world that is going to fit you with your short inseam, so I would just buy it now." Ugh). I did SEE a 1500WSD but the shop didn't have one in my size to try.

Mostly, since it's hard to find the small sizes in stock I've been going by the "tha-thump" looks factor -- and I just really like the looks of the Cannondales, Lemonds and Bianchis, but if I got on a Trek and loved the way it felt, I wouldn't say no!

Many thanks also for the shop recommendation. I wouldn't hesitate to drive over the hill to buy a bike, but it wouldn't make sense to have it serviced there. Since Beverly Hills Bike Shop offers lifetime tune-ups if you buy a bike there -- and they're close to me -- if I'm going to get a Lemond it probably would make sense to buy from them. But I will call Valley Cycles to see what they have in my size!

Happy riding,
Robyn

[annerol]

HI Robin,
How about Ted Ernst / Triathelete (spelling?) Zombies in Manhattan Beach? I am a newbie, and wanted to rent a road bike to see how it compared to my mb. Raul spent an hour fitting the bike, for a $100 one week rental. I purchased a new bike Friday night, and again was fitted carefully. Raul expects me to come in several times, as he says "we're not done yet". For him, it is all about the joy of riding, not sales. I don't see any financial gain for all the extra time he's giving me, he switches gears, stems, etc., until I'm comfortable. I am convinced his mission in life is to create bike-loving converts.
Their phone: (310) 318-5553 , I think ????
Anne