I'd love your opinion - good price for a Terry Symmetry?

[spotlightmama]

According to my geometry charts, with a standover ht of 28" its most likely the 17.5" model, which is 44 cm (center to center). If you are a 50-52 then its probably too small for you. I'll also warn you that while they are great bikes, a symetry may be heavier than you want for a triathalon. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, and are sure about your size I'd look for a used trek1000, 50 or 52cm. There are tons on ebay at good prices.

If you really like it, upgrade to a trek5200 or its equivalent.

So, to answer your first question is this a fair price, I would say yes if the condition is as stated. But, I do not think its the right size for you. Out of curiousity, how tall are you, and do you know your cycling inseam? How did you feel riding the 50cm bike in the shop? What model was it?

I'm 5'4" - I don't know what my inseam is (can't find my stupid measuring tape!). To be honest, I was surprised that the guy at the LBS said I could go to a 52, because I barely had clearance while standing on the 50. I don't remember what model it was, unfortunately. I thought the 50 felt pretty good, but this is my first time with a road bike, so I don't really know what I should be looking for. He said the seat was a little bit too high, but it was as low as it could go without them custom cutting it, so I couldn't get an exact fit.

[Triskeliongirl]

If it helps I am also 5'4", and I have terry bikes in both 17.5" and 19". Both fit in terms of standover, but I prefer the 17.5". Is it possible to test ride the bike before you ride it?

[tulip]

The 50cm is too big if the seat is as low as it can go and it's too high for you. Be aware that some bike shops will try to sell what is on the floor even if it doesn't fit properly.

People have different proportions, so height is not the only thing to look at. Inseam is also important, as arm length and flexibility.

I second that you should ride the symmetry and get it checked out before buying it. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't matter how cheap it is.

[Triskeliongirl]

Do be aware if you test ride that the stock stems on the terrys are quite short. I had to put longer stems on all my terry, but that only improved the handling. I agree that the 50 is probably too big if you had problems standing over it and seat was too high in the lowest position. I'm also not sure I would trust this LBS, he may have just been trying to 'fit' you with what he was trying to unload........ The 17.5 could be spot on for you.

[spotlightmama]

Thanks for the responses! I actually told the guy at the LBS that I was looking at buying this used Terry and he offered to let me ride a floor bike so I could get an idea of what it should fit like. Maybe he just wasn't very good at fitting.

I definitely plan on test riding the bike - I am meeting with the guy today so I can check it out. I don't know what I'm looking for in a ride...hopefully I will know if it is a "wrong" fit.

[spotlightmama]

So I bought it. I took it for a ride and it really felt great. It is in absolutely perfect condition and the guy was super nice.

Now I can't wait to get this baby on the road!!

[Triskeliongirl]

If its really new looking and you felt good on it you got an excellent buy! Big Congrats!!!

I presume it has the small front wheel. PM me if you need info. on where to be tubes and tires. Obviously terry is a good source, but so is Calhoun Cycles on the web. The fastest tire I recommend for your tri is the schwalbe stelvio. This you can order from terry or direct from schwalbe. Sometimes I buy rear ones from bike tires direct and front from terry, calhoun or schwalbe depending on sales, etc. (I stocked up at the terry 50% off sale).

post a pic and i might be able to identify the year if you are interested. also, if you call terry with the serial number they also may be able to identify the year. what color is she?