Embarrassed to test ride in LBS

[MelFel]

Lisa - very true!

I wore a wrap dress to work today, thought I tied it tight enough, realized while standing on the street corner waiting for the light to change that I was mistaken when a gust of wind came along and I gave the whole block a free show.

[SouthernBelle]

The first test ride I did on my current bike was in a dress and stocking feet! I did come back later and dress a little more appropriately.

[steinspinne]

Not really about a test ride but I thought I would share anyways.

My first year out of high school was spent in Berlin, Germany as a foreign exchange student. Because cycling and public transport is such a large part of the culture over there, my host parents wanted me to have a bike to ride. My host sister Birthe was out of town, so my host mother Claudia allowed me to try her bike out. What I didn't know yet, was that Birthe is almost a foot and a half taller than I am. She wheeled the bike out of the garage, and the seat was about 4 inches above my hips! I managed to hop on somehow, but when I tried to pedal, my legs were not long enough to reach so I would get one good push out, coast a few feet then fall. This happened 4 or 5 times.

Claudia felt so bad for me, thinking the poor little American girl had never learned how to ride a bike. (NTTAWWT) I tried to explain to her that the bike was too big but she just didn't understand. So she borrowed another bike from a neighbor, an old blue comfort bike probably two sizes too small this time, and had me get on it. This wasn't to remedy the size problem, but to keep me from tearing up Birthe's nice bike while she was away. It was uncomfortable, but I managed. She would send me up and down the street, then made me follow her around town before I "passed" and she thought I was "ready" to brave the trip to school.

I know that doesn't really relate to the whole LBS theme of this thread, I just wanted to illustrate that everyone gets embarrassed on a bike every now and again.

Good luck getting your new bike!

[CCinSC]

Thank you everyone for all of the encouraging and funny stories! I went to the LBS yesterday and bought my bikes! It felt like Christmas all over again. I went in for the Trek 1200 but they sold out and couldn't get anymore in so they sold me a full Carbon Raleigh Supercourse for $100 more than the Trek (it listed for $400 more)!!! According to the guy, this bike has better components than the next style of Trek and is full carbon instead of just the forks. My Mt Bike is a Raleigh 4300 and I pick that up on Wed.

Now the test ride He put me on the trainer clipped in and all, fit the bike to me then took me outside for the dreaded test ride! (dun, dun, dun...) I ACED IT! It was so easy, I never wobbled or even second guessed myself with unclipping. All that nervous energy and for nothing! I have to credit horses, dirt-bikes and all of you for the easy ride.

Rode last night and this morning and am in love with the sport already! Now all I need to do is get in good enough shape to ride for more than 10 minutes without needing an oxygen tank!

[steinspinne]

Congratulations! I'm glad to hear everything went well!

Now all we need is pictures.

[CCinSC]

I'll get some pic ups soon!

[RoadRaven]

Now all I need to do is get in good enough shape to ride for more than 10 minutes without needing an oxygen tank!

But carrying an oxygen tank with you on rides will make you REALLY strong - spesh uphills!


Seriously, glad you have enjoyed it so much... did anyone tell you its an addiction?? - once you're on, you won't wanna get off!
Welcome to the forum, too