Cascade's Group Health Bike Expo . . . New Location!

[Starfish]

Starfish, I'll try and give a report on the expo at it's new location. Sorry you won't be attending this year.

Thanks...I'm bummed. I can only make so many runs to Seattle, though! This month it will be at least 3x, and 4x if I come to the Wahine/Knot thing! Five-six hour round trip...plus gas & ferry!

Anyhow, I will be working a booth over here at the homebuilder's expo...I don't think they would appreciate discussions about building with Campy, Shimano, or SRAM.

[KnottedYet]

I am soooooo bummed that I can't go this year.

(darn medical training on a *weekend*, whose idea was that, anyway?)

[dex]

I think I have to try to make it to the expo, because according to this, I'll get to see one of these bikes there. And I've been wanting to check the Sojourn out since I saw a little blurb in the Bicycling buying guide issue a little while back.

[salsabike]

I will be there on Sunday for the swimming and biking tri stuff. Will have AV buff if I have the presence of mind to remember, and AV armwarmers too. And an extra AV buff (if I have the presence...etc.) for anyone who wants one. Come say howdy.

[Susan126]

Joe and I left the house around 9:30 AM and just got back about half an hour ago. It is now 5:51 PM! We had a great time at the bike expo. Saw so many bikes, found some awesome rides coming up this season, bought some new bike jerseys, and met some pretty cool people. One person whom I truly enjoyed talking to, and Joe too, was a guy from Rodriguez bikes named "Smiley"! He is totally awesome! I told him that I would be buying a new bike next year when my two kids are finally out of college and that I wanted a 700cc wheeled bike. He told me when he fits me and sees that I would be better fitted with a 650cc he would tell me this. Then he went into this entire technical talk about why! Listening to him made me marvel at how much he knew about bikes and bike fit! We high fived and I told him that Joe and I would be visiting his shop soon. First to just see it and then next year to get our new bikes.

The second person I met was Chris Carmichael. I even got my picture taken with him . . .



another really interesting person to talk with.

I took my camera along but only got two pictures. The one of Chris and me and this one:



If I hadn't bought myself a new helmet three months ago I would have purchased one of these. Wow netting! That would have saved my daughter's head last June from the bee sting she received when a bee got trapped in her helmet! This is my next helmet!

A totally enjoyable day!

Oh on our way home Joe and I stopped in Renton. First we stopped at Renton's Thrift Way Grocery Store and then we headed over to Cedar River Barbecue and had ourselves some mighty fine bbq sandwiches.

Now home I am beat! Tomorrow Joe and I will do one of our favorite rides starting from Black Diamond.

Hope to hear from others who attended the Bike Expo!

[mimitabby]

Will be wearing my Amici Veloce jersey today!

I hope to see SOMEONE there.

[Eden]

One person whom I truly enjoyed talking to, and Joe too, was a guy from Rodriguez bikes named "Smiley"! He is totally awesome! I told him that I would be buying a new bike next year when my two kids are finally out of college and that I wanted a 700cc wheeled bike. He told me when he fits me and sees that I would be better fitted with a 650cc he would tell me this.

I know a lot of people really like Smiley, but he seems to recommend everyone under 6' have 650c wheels...... Don't neccessarily believe this. I know a lot of people who have Rodriques bikes and they are very good bikes, but its downright silly to see 650's on a bike made for someone who is 5'6".... My coach also has one, and he told her the same thing, but she's a PT and knows very well what she wants and what she needs. She told him if he didn't make her bike to *her* specs she'd take her business elsewhere and actually got a bike with 700's. Yes - there are some smaller people who need a bike with smaller wheels to get the fit right, but we are all very different from one another, so make sure who ever fits you with a bike isn't so caught up in what they believe to be gospel truth that they refuse to look at alternatives. My body breaks all the rules. I fit better on a bike with 700c wheels even though I'm only 5' tall. I have long legs for my size and extremely short arms. I currently have 2 bikes, one with 650's and one with 700's and I know which one fits better. Now I'm not trying to say the you or anyone else is the same as I am (I think I have an odd body type...) and a bike with 650's could be just the ticket for you, just be aware.

[Susan126]

Thanks Eden! My hubby tends to agree with you! He said with today's geometry so much better than in the past I shouldn't have any trouble getting 700cc wheels on my new bike. I will weigh and ponder and really take my time when I finally do go looking for my new bike next year. I think there is a 700cc bike out there for me. I will keep my old 650cc that I currently ride as my around town/to the store/bad weather bike but I am looking forward to a new shiny 700cc bike next year. I think the hardest part will be choosing the color! I am so fond of red and black. Joe said it's time for a new color! I did like the pearlescent purple and green bikes I saw yesterday. Oh I hate making decisions sometimes!

But I will take my time. Weigh the pros and cons see how the bike fits. I too have an odd body shape. Like you I have long legs for my short height of 5'4" (well almost 5'4" . . . I round up! LOL) This time around I am going to take my time do my homework and see what feels right. I can't wait!

[KnottedYet]

I know a lot of people really like Smiley, but he seems to recommend everyone under 6' have 650c wheels...... Don't neccessarily believe this.

Smiley can be challenging at times. I gave up on Rodriguez after spending half an hour with him a couple years ago.

I've had to fix one of his "bike fits" where he (as my fit-ee described it) "washed his hands" of her, and told her he just couldn't make her bike fit her. All it needed was the saddle down and back. (his tapes were still on the bike, so I know the customer didn't mess with any of his fitting) Women have longer femurs to tibias, but he fit her by the book as one would a man, and it just didn't work.

Take everything with a grain of salt. (even what I just said!!!)

YMMV.