Am I over-reacting? (Longish)

[tulip]

Grayson, it's going to take a whole lot more than one trip to one shop to get this right. Please understand that bike shops that sell certain brands are prohibited from selling other brands. This is definitely the case with Specialized.

You did a very good thing by taking the bike out for a 7 mile ride. Most people just toodle around the parking lot, but as you found out, you can get alot more information on a longer ride. You also are very wise to not fall for the sales tactics that some shops employ to clear their sales floor regardless of the appropriateness of the bike to the customer.

Since you have given yourself until the spring to figure this whole thing out (more kudos!), I really encourage you to work bike shop visits into whatever travels you have planned over the upcoming holidays and/or work trips. It seems like you will not get your dream bike at the one local shop, and all the stomping of feet will not change that. If you end up having to hit all the (good) shops in DC, then just consider that a part of getting the right bike. Even better, work it into a little vacation to the Nation's Capital. If you do go to DC, be sure to post on TE and I and others will give you some good advice on what shops to go to.

I'm suggesting DC because you are in West Virginia, which is not all that far from DC (people commute between WV and DC), but perhaps there's another city that is closer. In any case, I think you get the idea.

Start saving your money now and take your time to ride lots of bikes between now and the spring.

[OakLeaf]

You're in Morgantown, right? DC is like a 4-1/2 hour drive, Pittsburgh is the closest city. Unfortunately I don't know any LBSs there and I don't know if there's anyone on this board from Pbgh?

[GraysonKelly]

You're in Morgantown, right? DC is like a 4-1/2 hour drive, Pittsburgh is the closest city. Unfortunately I don't know any LBSs there and I don't know if there's anyone on this board from Pbgh?

I'm going to Pittsburgh this weekend. There is a shop up there that carries mainly Trek, but also has some surly's and kona's available. I'm gonna try those too. If I don't find anything there, then I'll probably contact my cousin who lives outside of DC and ask her if she would help me find some shops in DC. If that doesn't work, then I'll jsut schedule another trip out to CO (not a hardship...I love it out there!!!) and go to one of those. You can't spit without hitting a bike shop in denver. haha.
Gray

[madscot13]

there are a few people who can help you in DC. I highly recommend Proteus off of everything others have said. I've met all sorts who love the service there. I also like the Bike Pro Shop.

[VeloVT]

Hard packed dirt roads are not bad on skinny road tires, as long as they're graded (grated?). You have to slow down a little, but that can be an excuse to enjoy the ride ... Gravel pretty much sucks though.

[tulip]

there are a few people who can help you in DC. I highly recommend Proteus off of everything others have said. I've met all sorts who love the service there. I also like the Bike Pro Shop.

If you go to DC and want to go to Proteus, let me know. It's about four miles east of DC in Maryland near the University of Maryland campus (still inside the Beltway). Bicycle Pro Shop has some nice bikes, but I find them rather snooty to he non-racing set like me (personal observation). There's also Capitol Hill Bikes, CityBikes, and Revolution (although I've found them a bit snooty, too, maybe because they are right next door to the Pro Shop).

You really can't go wrong with Proteus--great line of bikes (Orbea, Jamis, Kona), wonderful owner (Jill) who will never sell you a bike that is not right for you. I would drive the 3+ hours from my house if I were in the market for a new bike.

You said you wanted to build up to riding 100 miles a day. Can we assume that you want to do the occasional century (and not make 100 miles a daily habit!?)?

[aicabsolut]

I like Bicycle Pro Shop, because they are my sponsor shop . However, it took me a while to get to where I felt like the guys in there like me and are nice to me (other than the ones on my team). My first trip in there, I was not treated very well. That said, I have not seen that offending staff member since. They stock mostly Cannondale and Specialized in the lower price ranges. They also sell Time, Colnago, and some other things that escape me. Their Alexandria store sells Giant too, I think (but not Specialized at that store).

I found CityBikes (the one out in Chevy Chase, not Adams Morgan) to be very helpful for relative newbies, as you will be on this new type of bike. They may have more selection on the lower end too, but it will be predominantly Specialized still.

Now at Capitol Hill bikes, you could try out some sweet Bianchi cross bikes. Those are hot. Revolutions (several locations) is a Trek dealer.


I was in Mathias / Lost River City last weekend. A much shorter drive from DC.

[bluebug32]

I have a Kona Jake the Snake cyclocross bike. I bought it thinking I would ride on gravel and dirt with it (I'm mainly a mountain biker), and after a few rides even on a rail trail, I gave up that idea because my back, arms, and hands ached so badly from such a stiff ride. I love the bike and really enjoy riding it on the road with road tires. I don't regret buying it, but kind of wish someone had clued me in as to what a harsh ride not having any suspension can be!