LBS asks weight to schedule test ride

**lph** · 08-15-2007, 04:58 AM

I would say the more info they ask for the better, they're showing that they want to fit a bike to YOU, not just sell you something expensive.

But hey - weight isn't personal! Just wait until they ask you if you're getting saddle sores, or if you're wearing underwear under your shorts... Just kidding.

But be prepared that they may suggest appropriate underwear, or lack thereof.

If you're feeling a tad nervous about the "athletic guys" try scheduling your test ride to some time they don't have lots of customers, and try to avoid the hippest, youngest dudes with the caps on backwards. Pick some nice fatherly type with a belly to help you, he's probably the most experienced biker there anyway... And if you let your excitement over getting a new bike show they'll all love you

**wiseowl** · 08-15-2007, 05:15 AM

I have never been asked about my weight, but I figure they size me up when they look at me. How do you find out what the weight limit is for the various parts of your bike? I don't recall seeing anything in any specs- do you dig deep into that big bag of techy documents that come with a new bike? I admit to being nervous that I am on the heavier side for my snazzy carbon bike- the carbon seatpost makes me especially nervous. I am about 20 lbs overweight, but am still a smaller person- but I do worry my bike is rated for someone who is 110 lbs or something! I wouldn't have even thought to worry about aluminum or steel.

And yes, things do get personal! I am still trying to figure how to explain to my (very cute) LBS guy that the seat on my new bike is causing some major discomfort- no, not in the butt...more "to the front" from there!

**KnottedYet** · 08-15-2007, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by wiseowl

And yes, things do get personal! I am still trying to figure how to explain to my (very cute) LBS guy that the seat on my new bike is causing some major discomfort- no, not in the butt...more "to the front" from there!

Aw, don't bother explaining to him, explain it to us! There is a saddle section somewhere (Gear and Apparel?) where you can describe your riding style/bike/current saddle/current problem and I bet you dollars to doughnuts a bunch of other women will chime in who've had almost the same experience and they'll tell you how they solved it!

Then you can go to cute LBS dude and say, "I've heard good things about this saddle, can you order me one and give me 30 days to try it?"

Edit: oops, I was off, it's "Gear and Accessories" http://forums.teamestrogen.com/forumdisplay.php?f=72

**bikerz** · 08-15-2007, 07:18 AM

Hi TabbyBikes! Welcome to TE!

I had a similar set of concerns when I started cycling about 3 years ago, and i was very nervous and uncomfortable when I first walked into the LBS as an obviously overweight person. No one there asked my actual weight, and I was waaaay too self-conscious to give it out, and it's too bad, because the only thing that was off initially was that the wheels that came with that bike were way too "squishy" for me, and eventually I had to upgrade them to stiffer wheels.

Welcome to the wonderful world of bikes! Speaking for myself, cycling has given me not only some of the most exhilarating moments in recent years, but also some of the hardest (I still have to give myself a little "get over yourself" lecture before appearing in public in lycra!

)

But you've been given good advice above - enjoy the process, ask lots of questions, here on TE and at at the LBS, and have fun picking out your next bike! Everyone wants to see pictures, so don't forget your camera!

**TabbyBikes** · 08-15-2007, 04:59 PM

Oh, you gals ROCK.

Thank you so much for your responses -- I get that it really does have a purpose, and I really like the idea that they'll be so happy to 'convert' me that they won't even blink.
In the meantime, we are still waiting on the offer letter for DH's new job, and on tonight's ride I started wondering if I just might want a road bike. So I'm still in the early stages yet, lol. But I'll keep you posted (and I'll wander over to the Getting To Know You thread!)

**batsheva** · 08-15-2007, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by TabbyBikes

Oh, you gals ROCK.

Thank you so much for your responses -- I get that it really does have a purpose, and I really like the idea that they'll be so happy to 'convert' me that they won't even blink.
In the meantime, we are still waiting on the offer letter for DH's new job, and on tonight's ride I started wondering if I just might want a road bike. So I'm still in the early stages yet, lol. But I'll keep you posted (and I'll wander over to the Getting To Know You thread!)

you KNOW you want a roadbike, Tabs---

**Trek420** · 08-15-2007, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by batsheva

you KNOW you want a roadbike, Tabs---

resistance is futile

**KnottedYet** · 08-15-2007, 06:57 PM

watch out! We recruit into the steel road bike/Brooks saddle/wool biking clothes cults!

**RoadRaven** · 08-16-2007, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by TabbyBikes

..... and on tonight's ride I started wondering if I just might want a road bike.

Bwahahahahahahaha

Road bikes rule... another convert

<<<EFG>>>

Bwahahahahahahaha

>

**TabbyBikes** · 08-16-2007, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by KnottedYet

watch out! We recruit into the steel road bike/Brooks saddle/wool biking clothes cults!

Well, via my knitting I've already seen the glory of wool. Between that, last night's urge to stretch out across my handlebars, and the scary thing that popped & bled in my 'special places' after last night's ride . . . I may not be hard to convert to all those things!

**PscyclePath** · 08-20-2007, 05:18 AM

Tabby:

Don't worry about it. Others have mentioned the relationship of frame geometry and material to the rider, but if you're looking into a bike with suspension, the suspension is usually adjusted to respond to your body weight, regardless whether you weigh 95 pounds or 295.

Swapped my old hardtail MTB for one of those full-suspension cross-country bikes this past weekend, and got quite a lesson in hydraulics before I left the LBS

Tom

**Zen** · 08-20-2007, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by wiseowl

And yes, things do get personal! I am still trying to figure how to explain to my (very cute) LBS guy that the seat on my new bike is causing some major discomfort- no, not in the butt...more "to the front" from there!

I just tell 'em it hurts my twinkie.
When you get to be an old lady you also get to say whatever you want.
My lbs guy is very cute too. another reason I bought my bike there.

**TabbyBikes** · 08-21-2007, 07:16 PM

So, last week I wandered into the store just to look at the Electra Amsterdams and ended up talking to the owner (?) for quite a while. He was GREAT: answered a billion questions, was familiar with all the places I ride, and seemed to think that finding a bike to fit my *height* (5ft) was the only issue facing us. He had me sit on a Cannondale F2 that felt so dramatically different & good that I don't ever want to sit on my bike ever again. He told me to look into Specialized's Globe series, and send them an email when I was ready to test ride.
So I'm feeling very good, and excited, and IMPATIENT for the new job to come through!!!
Thanks for all your help -- I'll keep you all posted.

**mixie** · 08-22-2007, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by TabbyBikes

So, last week I wandered into the store just to look at the Electra Amsterdams and ended up talking to the owner (?) for quite a while. He was GREAT: answered a billion questions, was familiar with all the places I ride, and seemed to think that finding a bike to fit my *height* (5ft) was the only issue facing us. He had me sit on a Cannondale F2 that felt so dramatically different & good that I don't ever want to sit on my bike ever again. He told me to look into Specialized's Globe series, and send them an email when I was ready to test ride.
So I'm feeling very good, and excited, and IMPATIENT for the new job to come through!!!
Thanks for all your help -- I'll keep you all posted.

Glad you had a good time at the LBS. if I was asked my weight I'd probaby be too scared.

Like you, I am also 5'. It SUCKS when trying to find a bike. I was in the market for a road bike, so my choices were much different.

However, I have found one really positive point about about being short and riding a teeny tiny frame! My bike easily fits inside most cars. I don't have to have the expense of a bike rack and worry about my bike being subjected to bugs or another car rear ending me and hurting my precious bike.

**RoadRaven** · 08-22-2007, 10:55 AM

Tabby!
Great to hear you sounding so excited and enthusiastic after that first diffident/unsure post about the realm you were entering!

We told you that, if the bike shop was a good one, they would not be judging you on anything - they'd just be thrilled you wanted to bike, and would want to see you on the best bike for you!

Looking forward to reading an update on what you decide to go for!

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