First trip to the LBS--advice?

[gingerale]

Yeah....I went on one of those "fact finding" missions last month. Came home 6 hours later with my new bike!

I took my dad with me who has become obsessed with biking the past 4 years. He was very helpful with what I needed and wanted. The LBS I ended up buying at had a machine that could measure my arm length, leg length, etc., and fitted me with the right size bike. (The first few stores just eyed me and guessed which wasn't that helpful.) The LBS where I purchased my bike were very involved in helping me find the right bike for me as well as treating me equal to all the other customers in there. I'm not your typical fit bike chick and I really felt the first 3 stores didn't take me too seriously. It all came together, though, and I bought at the final store and have been very happy with my new ride and all of their help. Good luck and can't wait to hear what you decide on.

[malkin]

It could just be a simple quest.

Ride some bikes!
Have some fun!
Learn something new!

[Running Mommy]

Sounds like you have some good shops out there.
Key things to remember...
They should be asking YOU questions, your goals, riding style, experience, etc. * If all they do is talk about themselves go elsewhere- they don't have your interest in mind.

they should always measure you to insure proper fit. If they just have you "straddle the top tube" go elsewhere.
There are many variables that go into bike fit and they really need to measure you.

Take a good long test ride. You really need to take some time to make sure the bike feels right. And try a couple so that you can feel the difference.

have fun!!