Well, the sales people certainly saw me coming I was new to cycling and very enthusiastic. The only questions they really asked me were: "What kind of frame material were you looking for?", "Did you have any specific brands in mind?" and "How did the bike feel?" Seeming as I was completely new, they should have offered some more insight into what these questions meant.

They took a few measurements and stuck me on a bike. I love my bike although I am not fully convinced that it fits me correctly I suspect that they were trying to sell me the model they had on the floor rather than the bike that might have fit me best. They did not offer to order anything or try another brand in a smaller size. The shop did not fit me at all at my time of purchase (it was during a sale) and I had several fit issues which I had to address on my own.

So here's what I will request the next time I purchase a bike (which will be several years from now ). I'm just drooling over the custom bikes everyone raves about but that would add to my wait for a new bike so we'll have to see

  1. The bike staff should ask you questions about the type and frequency of riding you will be doing to determine the best bike for you. They should be happy to answer your "newbie" questions and not be condescending or make you feel stupid Nice staff will delight in your interest in bikes rather in your lack of knowledge.
  2. The seat height should be adjusted for you to test ride it.
  3. A good bike shop will offer to order you the size that will fit you best if they do not have it in stock instead of pushing their floor models on you.
  4. A good LBS willl fit the bike to you when you purchase it: this means checking handlebar width, saddle position (or even better, a saddle swap), stem swap, etc.
  5. A good LBS will tell you the best time to bring your bicycle in for it's "break in" tune up (should be free!)
  6. A good LBS will so also help you with fit issues a week up to a month after your purchase to ensure your bicycle is fitting you in the best way possible.


...and that is what I will be looking for when I can afford to purchase a new bike!