Can't Decide!

[Eden]

Thinking about it, I'm sure that the only reason I felt more comfortable on the larger bike is because I felt more upright. I'm not used to a road bike so not used to the position at all. At one point at LBS #2 I mentioned that I felt like I was reaching but of course Mr. Bike Dude assured me I wasn't (which I believed him because I don't know!). *Breathing*

This is not uncommon - it does take some time to get used to (and get flexible!) a road cycling position. If you are stretched out you won't be able to have a comfortable bend in your elbows when your hands are on the hoods of the bike. If you're arms are straight or elbows locked then the bike is too big. If you cannot stand and pedal without feeling like you are going to fall forward the bike is likely too large also.

I'd be skeptical of most bike dudes.... shops that really know how to fit are not so common. They tried to talk me into a 48cm the last time I bought a bike (I'm 5'0" long legs [28.5" inseam] short torso/arms). I knew I needed a 44.... and even that is a bit long for me. A 48 would have been really big.

[Kelly728]

This is not uncommon - it does take some time to get used to (and get flexible!) a road cycling position. If you are stretched out you won't be able to have a comfortable bend in your elbows when your hands are on the hoods of the bike. If you're arms are straight or elbows locked then the bike is too big. If you cannot stand and pedal without feeling like you are going to fall forward the bike is likely too large also.

More and more the 52 is seeming big. I should have went with my gut instinct knowing that I was reaching and my arms were pretty straight. It really is back to LBS #1! (and I'm going to find #4, #5 and #6 apparently). I wanted to try out a cannondale but LBS #0 showed me a "like 10 years old" bike saying that is all I could get for my money. I'm going to look for another Cannondale and Specialized shops because I really want to try out other things!

(this will probably put me out towards College Park for that shop a bunch of you recommended..)

[Fujichants]

I wanted to try out a cannondale but LBS #0 showed me a "like 10 years old" bike saying that is all I could get for my money. I'm going to look for another Cannondale and Specialized shops because I really want to try out other things!

Run away from this LBS! You can get nice bikes for your price range, so for them to say that is unacceptable. It seems like they are trying to push that 50 cm Trek onto you.

I really recommend test riding lots of bikes (and not just around the parking lot. If possible, see if you can ride it for a couple of miles, even if that means they need to send somebody else out with you). $1000-$1,200 is a lot in this current economy so the LBS has to treat you like a valued customer, not just somebody they can get money out of. After all, if they treat you well and are honest, you'll keep coming back there to buy other things (clothes, shoes, helmets, bike accessories, maybe even an upgrade).

Nothing worse than buying the wrong bike. Trust me, been there, done that. After 7 months I was ready to give up cycling, until I got my Trek, which fits me like a glove.

Don't rush into it, and try to find an LBS that also offers professional bike fittings - not just somebody who knows how to set up a bike on the trainer and pulls out his little rulers and all he does is adjust the seat height.

Good luck!

[Kelly728]

Run away from this LBS! You can get nice bikes for your price range, so for them to say that is unacceptable. It seems like they are trying to push that 50 cm Trek onto you.

Oh I did, that's why it is #0!!

Next Saturday I'm going to make a day trip of a few of the AA county/north east of DC shops since it isn't something I can do during the week at all. Bike Doctor, Capital Bike, Proteus, any others that should be on my list?

uforgot- I do have pretty short arms as well. Its pretty funny when it comes to my running clothes. My shorts look like hot shorts and my shirts come down below my hips! I swear my hips are way up near my belly button.

ETA: I sent an email to Jill at Proteus to see when/if she'll be in this weekend.

[aicabsolut]

The Bicycle Place and City Bikes (Conn Ave store in Chevy Chase) are both right off 495.

If you want to take the GW Parkway down south (pretty short drive), then you can learn more about Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Time, Colnago, Giant, and Orbea from Revolution Cycles and Bicycle Pro Shop (though the Giant and Orbea bikes are only at their Alexandria or Clarendon stores, I think). They will let you do some good length test rides, but they will be on fairly crowded roads or trails--which aren't so bad this time of year when it's too cold out. If you go on a Sunday, you'll probably run into some of my friends working at both shops. Revolutions tends to have a decent selection of lower priced bikes and WSD bikes. BPS not so much except for Cannondale. They do have one 52 Specialized Ruby Elite in stock, I think.

[Kelly728]

Thanks for the other suggestions.. I'll see just how far SW I get! Leave the house early, hit about 6 different shops and be home to make dinner.. Sounds good.