Race Geometry: Am I crazy?

[Thorn]

Get a bike that is comfortable and don't worry about the geometry ("aggressive" or whatever). You will be the fastest and strongest rider you can be if your bike fits YOU properly.

Exactly. I'm old and slow and I ride a race geometry. Why? Because I love the feel and I love the idea of my go-fast machine. Yes, the handlebars are closer to level with the saddle than 4 inches below (again, I'm old), but I love the feel of a bike that responds when I kick (the opposite feeling of your #4). It is like being a kid again.

Do I get poked fun of? All the time, but age has taught me to ignore (and chuckle at) the youngin's who are clearly jealous that the old, slow lady has a screaming race machine that she toodles along on.

Try the bikes and get what feels right. But, remember, when you whittle it down to the final one or two, take the bike out for a long ride over varied terrain. What feels good on a 2 mile ride might have kinks on 20.

[derailed]

It's such a large investment that it's worth a bit of travel to a well stocked shop.
Perhaps you can do some digging online, and make an appointment at a shop with a good stock?

I offered to pay for the service woman's time when she helped me try on bikes knowing I would not buy there due to distance.

[Miranda]

It's such a large investment that it's worth a bit of travel to a well stocked shop.
Perhaps you can do some digging online, and make an appointment at a shop with a good stock?

I offered to pay for the service woman's time when she helped me try on bikes knowing I would not buy there due to distance.

I would be happy to pay someone for help like that. I happy also to pay for a test ride or demo program.

I think the whole dealership issue makes it hard. I asked the fitter (& owner) at the lbs I'm going to if I wanted something that was not a brand he carried, could he get it and build it for me. (Thinking, if the fit goes well, I feel comfy with the shop, I'd try to buy as support).

He said if another dealership has that brand tied up, then "no". Or, some company's will only sell to the shop in quantities. So, then again "no". I understand. But, it makes it hard for me to spend my $ there if they don't end up having what I want or need. It's kinda a frustrating two way situation.

[Miranda]

Exactly. I'm old and slow and I ride a race geometry. Why? Because I love the feel and I love the idea of my go-fast machine. Yes, the handlebars are closer to level with the saddle than 4 inches below (again, I'm old), but I love the feel of a bike that responds when I kick (the opposite feeling of your #4). It is like being a kid again.

Do I get poked fun of? All the time, but age has taught me to ignore (and chuckle at) the youngin's who are clearly jealous that the old, slow lady has a screaming race machine that she toodles along on.

Try the bikes and get what feels right. But, remember, when you whittle it down to the final one or two, take the bike out for a long ride over varied terrain. What feels good on a 2 mile ride might have kinks on 20.

May I just start by saying... I love you.

I had this thought, but didn't type it out... OK, how's it gonna look for the old broad that's probably never taking first place against the youngins' in the group with my fancy bike. I too have graced on that I don't give a rip... they'd just have to be jealous.

And yes, while I do love to ride along at screaming speeds possible... I also like to dismount at my favorite farm house and watch how the baby billy goats are doing. My die hard race friends don't believe in such nonsense lol.

On the "kick" part of the bike, that is my other thought... my body doesn't have the same energy to "waste" on a ride. I want every ounce I put into my bike's movement forward to produce.

EDIT: I guess I should add that in comparison to those of my own age (and some youngins'), I'm pretty fit cardiovascularly and lung capacity wise. On that one, I could hold my own for quite a long time. So, I guess an old broad with some spunk is probably a good way to put it.