Colorado Fave Bike Store Recommendations

[Smilie]

I forgot to check out Treads, they have great deals right now! Thanks again for the recommendations, they will certainly help. Planning on coming down on Saturday to get a bike! Woohoo!

[Kathi]

I'm very close to Treads. Was in there today. If you meet a guy named Bill tell him I sent you. I mentioned you to him, he's the one who suggested the route down Wads.

Good luck, I hope you find the perfect bike.

[Kathi]

When you demo bikes be sure to spend plenty of time on the ones you chose. You can tell a lot more about a bike when you actually get it out and ride it vs riding in the parking lot. Wheatridge and Treads are both very close to bike trails. Wheatridge is a couple of blocks to the Clear Creek trail (ask for directions) and Treads is straight down Wadsworth to the Bear Creek Trail.

Both trails are flat but have lots of turns which will help you evaluate the handling of the bikes. Let me know if you would like a good hill to climb a couple of miles from Treads.

[Smilie]

I certainly will look out for Bill and tell him! Treads has great deals right now. Even my friend is thinking about getting a new bike since they are having such a great sale.

Will they let you take a bike for a longer ride? I guess I can leave the keys to my car there since I won't be bringing my first born with.

[Kathi]

Yes, they will. When I bought my mtn bike from Wheatridge I rode it on the Clear Creek trail. Sports Garage told me to take the bike I demoed out on the road so we did a 10 mile ride. It's the best way to determine if the bike is right for you.

Most shops require a driver's license and credit card.

If you have a favorite saddle and pedals bring those along. A good shop will put those on the demo bikes. Sports Garage had me bring my old bike, it fit well, and replicated the position as well as they could on the demo bikes.

If I were to demo a bike I would expect the salesperson to adjust my saddle height, the fore,aft position of the saddle and the handlebar height.

I think it's pretty awesome that you're driving all the way here for bikes. What bikes are you looking at?

[Smilie]

Favorite seat?! That brings me to another aspect of riding, how do you "know" what seat is right for you besides taking it for a very long ride? I have read the threads about measuring your seat, but it still seems a bit wierd to me.

This Cannondale is one that I am looking at. We only have 2 bike shops here, and they don't carry any small enough for me, plus they are very expensive and maybe have 10 bikes in stock. Mostly for men.

[Kathi]

I had a feeling that's the one you're looking at.

First get a bike that fits well, then you can determine the best saddle for you. A saddle can be the perfect one for you but if something is out of whack with the bike fit, tt to long, handlebars to low, no saddle will be comfortable.

Saddle choice is often a matter of preference. I'm small, too, and love the WTB Deva. Treads doesn't stock it but they ordered 2 more for me. When I'm riding I don't know the saddle is there. Cut outs don't work at all for me. There are lots of threads on saddles here on TE.

If you're interested in the the Deva I can meet you at Treads and show it to you. PM and let me know if you'd like to see it.