Fitting recommendations in the Bay Area for newbie

[rapid cycler]

I don't live in the Bay Area, so I certainly make no claims on expertise. That being said, Chain Reaction, in Redwood City and Los Altos, maintains an informative Web site with articles to help first-time riders buy bikes. Here's their test-ride FAQ page, with links to more detailed articles:

http://www.chainreactionbicycles.com...etestrides.htm

I've been to both stores and found the staff in each knowledgeable and friendly. And the "Mike" who authored most of the articles on the site can be found in the flesh at the Redwood City shop—super nice guy! They also have deeper stock of built-up bikes than most independent shops. Good luck!

Edit: I just reread your original post and realized that you probably aren't in the market for a road bike. The FAQ I cited is specifically about testing road bikes, so you might not find it totally useful, though I think excellent points are made about buying bikes in general. CR does carry hybrids as well.

[KnottedYet]

I had a Kona Dew, which I really loved. Did a triathlon with it, too. Last month I traded it in for a Surly Cross Check. (the price tag on the Cross Check was $930)



I have it set up as my commuter, with flat pedals, fenders, rack, pannier, and my beloved Brooks saddle. I have drop bars because with a taller stem I find them easier on my hands/neck/shoulders than flat bars. Love the steel frame, and my 32mm tires smooth out the bumps a treat!

Earlier this week I saw a Surly Cross Check someone had put flat bars on.

[Trek420]

I've been to both stores and found the staff in each knowledgeable and friendly. And the "Mike" who authored most of the articles on the site can be found in the flesh at the Redwood City shop—super nice guy! They also have deeper stock of built-up bikes than most independent shops. Good luck!

I got my first road bike at CR, it was years ago but I think they did a good job. Even then when nobody did this, they had a good stock of womens clothes.

You mentioned Hank and Frank, not one of my faves.

[fuzzysparkles]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll definitely be checking out the LBS mentioned here. I'll let you know what I end up with.

This is a great forum!

Cheers!

[Trek420]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll definitely be checking out the LBS mentioned here. I'll let you know what I end up with.

This is a great forum!

Cheers!

Yeah, we kinda are TE is great. Pictures, we want pictures of the bike and test ride reports.

[ace]

Hiya,

I'm also an Oakland girl, and go to Cycle Sports on Grand Ave (www.cyclesportsonline.com). I started going there because I had a hybrid and went clipless, and was having big problems with my knees. They are certified Serotta fitters, and they did a fitting for me on and got me so I had no more pain.

This spring they did a complete fitting on me, and I bought my beloved Serotta from them. They are great and thorough- I highly recommend them (particularly Ian, he's a man who loves his work- if you go, tell him Amy with the steel Serotta sent you). Ian in particular has a great attitude- they will get you what you want and need, not what THEY think you should get.

I have knee issues, shoulder issues, carpal tunnel, neck problems and low back problems, plus I weigh over 200 lbs, plus I'm only 5'4 but have insanely long legs, so the fact that they designed a bike for me that fits like a glove is a testament to their skill (and to Serottas, of course).

Happy bike buying!

-Amy

[ace]

By the way, Cycle Sports sells both Trek and Cannondale......