First *real* bicycle as a grown up... more drama than I had bargained for...

[zeWoo]

So, hey there, Woo from the "To Fat to Bicycle..." thread... thought I would create my own thread and stop trying to latch on to someone elses --

Anyway, I was on craigslist yesterday and I noticed that a LBS had made a posting that said that they had moved... which turns out, they had moved literally a short walk from my apartment, I had no more excuses... I didn't need to get in the car, catch the crappy public transportation/kiddie ride trolley... nothin'... all I needed to do was walk down the street... being one that believes in fate, I took this occasion to mean, get up off your duff and go and see what's what -- but first, I checked out their website -- I didn't recognize any of the brands they were selling(with the exception of the Surly Cross Check, which I looked at and was trying to rationalize the purchase... but had to finally slowly come to grips with the fact that... if that's the bike I have to buy, it won't get bought, because I flat out can not lay down a thousand bucks on a bicycle at the moment) -- I had been use to looking admiringly at Trek's and Specialized, etc -- and now I was confronted with something called Electra(sounded like a 70's disco group), GT, and Schwinn(which I owned as a kid and were suppose to be great in the 70's, but I see those in Walmart these days and don't know how great they are these days)-- so I was confused.

Today, I decided to go down there and talk to the guy -- since the website was very inviting and he turned out to be quite nice ... he really didn't seem to think that I would have a problem with weight, since he claimed he had sold bikes to guys that were 6'5" and 400lbs... I was in fact a lightweight, not sure if that was a little buttering or not, either way I likey buttering -- still, I'm looking at these bikes and I could have sworn I saw one of these Electras in the WWII Blitz movie I watched last week on the midnight movie. It in fact looked like a bike I should be riding, but not the bike I would put myself on in my minds eye... I definitely could see his point in why I would want a bike like that... since I'm really not seriously into riding yet, it's a comfort bike, with upright positioning, comfy seat... kind of big and clunky(in a streamlined kind of way) that will get me where I need to go, but not in a hurry -- ah, I was luke warm on the a la Amsterdam bike, because I want sporty(albeit, I'm not exactly sporty lookin at the moment) -- But is it a good idea to consider comfort first in my case(this thing had a love seat... for a seat)? Should I really get myself into cycling with this big clunker, or go for something more sporty and possibly be discouraged because it puts me in a more unnatural position, which in turn stresses me a little bit more...? No doubt if things work like I hope them to work, I'll have to buy another type of bike all together in a few months... can I kill two birds with one stone now?

So it sorta became difficult for me to get him to talk about any other style of bike, because he had decided I think by looking at me ... that I needed a certain type of bike, so I would stick with it... that or he has a huge mark up on that particular bike. He did point me back to the website and assured me he could order anything I wanted on the website and they have a lot of choices... there really were no bikes for me to try on the sales floor. Anyway, I left... somewhat encouraged that maybe the poundage wasn't as big a deal as I have made -- I even talked to a Trek company rep earlier this week and she directed me toward a few bikes in their line I might consider, but she encouraged me to go into the LBS as they would be able to fit me correctly with no problem at all--

So being encouraged... and now having the bug, I decided I would make a special trip out to another LBS that did sell Trek and Specialized... I decided that I could not wait, I must go today, no waiting, I must go(no impulse buying, no impulse buying, no impulse buying) -- so I went. This is the big bike store in town, with the big reputation, and it definitely had more of a bicycle store feel than the little shop down the street from me... So I go in... and they have one other customer, who is already being helped, but no one comes over to help me even though I see three guys hanging out back, finally the guy helping the other guy(the co-owner I'm pretty sure because I saw his picture on their website) walks back and tells them someone needs to come out and help me, they still didn't show up for another 5 minutes or so... So I walk around, I must have done 5 laps around that store -- and I guess after 15 minutes they figured I wasn't leaving, so a young guy came over and asked if I needed help(the Trek lady assured me they would be happy to help me... no matter what shape or size, but at this point I was questionable)... Usually I would have left, because I felt from the start that they didn't consider me to be a serious customer, but they were a Trek dealer and I've been looking at those -- so I decided since I made the special trip, I might as well get some face time with the Trek and then take my business elsewhere...

The young fella was nice enough, I'm not complaining about the service, once it showed up... he seemed invested in educating me -- I asked him about how much weight would effect what kind of bike I could get-- he seemed less emphatic about saying it was no problem, like the other guy... which is fine, I want people to be honest -- he said that up around 300lb you could/might/maybe start having problems with wheels and then kind of trailed off, seemed a bit uncomfortable about really talking about it, as not to insult me, I assume... I did ask though, but now I'm wondering if the guy at the other LBS was being up front with me...anyway, the young guy started to bang on about something called a double walled rim which made the tire stronger and it was a must have(yet I was unable to drown out the voice in my head that kept saying, during his 'double walled rim presentation'...'these friggin rims cost 200 bucks'...). Now, he got it...my desire for sporty, after I got him off of the mountain bikes, he was all out for me to get the Trek 7.2 FX WSD, which was great because that was the bike I was looking at online... it was great, right up until I saw it--

It's tiny. Or maybe the one they had on the floor was tiny -- maybe that was the miniature (not actual size) version... "where's the rest of the bloody bike?" He kept saying, you can ride out of here on this one today, it's ready -- and I was thinking ' Are you serious? I'm pretty sure I'm not riding ANYWHERE on THAT today'--with it's little skinny tires and well... skinniness -- this particular bike was for a woman that was much smaller than me, but regardless, even with a larger frame size I would really wonder about whether that bike would cut it, but it has 'double walled rims'... he said... and I said 'ok, but what about the FX 7.1?'... shocked that I knew that there was another (cheaper) model he added...'but it doesn't have doubled walled rims...'... I said 'oh, bummer.' So what about these double walled rims, is there anything to that mumbo jumbo? I'm OK with getting them, if it's really a difference-- Anyway, I love the way it looks, but upon seeing the bike I desired compared to the war time bike, the war time bike looked more like something that I could ride and would stand up to me, I felt I would dwarf a Trek FX, even when fit properly -- the young guy did tell me he had lost 85lbs, since starting to ride a bike 5 years ago and he asked if I wanted to ride any of the bikes, so by the time I left, I wasn't as put off... but still, come on... never write off your customers before you talk to them.. and even then, you never know...


So the questions...? I definitely like the guy at the LBS down the street and I want to support the businesses in my neighborhood, especially since this business is in the CBD and the rent is outrageous down here -- but he has a bunch of brands I've never heard of(not that me never hearing of a brand of bike is some kind of feat) --he told me I enter the market at the lowest 400 bucks... fine, but are his bikes any good?(i.e. Electra, Schwinn, GT Transeo, etc) Does it really matter, at my experience level, if I don't have the popular brand?... just as long as I stay in a price range that is comparable to the Trek's... Specialized... do they perform nearly the same.. especially at the beginner level?

If so, than I'll probably go back to his website, pick out something, then go chat with him about it - and order it. Whether I get something sporty or something a little more **ding ding*** goes the bell, I guess is up to me -- it's now become a somewhat of a drama, if not just a tough decision ... but overall I want a decently put together bicycle...

Otherwise, there's one more LBS close by but it's pretty small... so I'm going to have to drive wayyyy out in the burbs to get to the next LBS, that sells the more popular brands and actually has stock on the floor that I can try...


Urgh. What happened to the days of ..'that bike is a pretty color...?' ...'ok, sit on it, how does it feel?'... after sitting and bouncing up and down a couple of times 'feels ok, I like this one' -- then you took it home and rode it till the handlebars rusted and you were in danger of having to get a tetanus shot every time you got on the thing.

Those were the days...

[Zen]

What's your inseam?
Mine is 29 inches and I ride a 13" 7.2FX.
It fits nicely.

The LBS close to you sounds like a good place to do business. The other one is probably OK too, the kid just wasn't a good salesman.

Mebbe ask the guy at the good LBS if he has anything comparable to the FX in function and price?

Does it really matter, at my experience level, if I don't have the popular brand?... just as long as I stay in a price range that is comparable to the Trek's... Specialized... do they perform nearly the same.. especially at the beginner level?

The bike will perform as well as you do.
If I buy a Madone it's not gonna make me the best rider in the club
Buy the bike that makes you happy, the one you feel good on.
That's the one you'll ride.

[alpinerabbit]

Electra, Schwinn, and GT are quality bikes. Get what you can afford. but do me and yourself a favor and do. not. buy. too. big. (the frame size).

[Trek420]

... So I go in... but no one comes over to help me even though I see three guys hanging out back, finally the guy helping the other guy .... walks back and tells them someone needs to come out and help me, they still didn't show up for another 5 minutes or so... So I walk around, I must have done 5 laps around that store -- and I guess after 15 minutes they figured I wasn't leaving, so a young guy came over and asked if I needed help

Ah, the invisible woman customer trick! Notice that the guy helping the guy didn't bother to say "someone will be right over to help you!" He was too busy helping the probably uber-fit athletic dude. That's poor customer service, I'm just saying.

Your money is just as green.

When shopping for a bike you're shopping for two things:
the frame, because over time you can upgrade most any bike to make it zippier and peppier as you and your cycling change but you're stuck with the frame. It must fit you.

the shop. they will be your guru, mentor and ally. Buy from the shop that helps you the best.

Both have to fit you. Buy at the shop that helped you best.

[wackyjacky1]

To help with size comparisons, I am 5' 5" with a 30" inseam, and ride a 15" 7.2 FX WSD. The seat post is at its max. extension, but the next size bike was a bit too big for me.

The 700 x 35 tires may seem skinny compared to a mountain bike, but they'll give you a nice, stable ride. I even cut across a field on mine one day when a road was unexpectedly closed on my regular commuting route, so you can actually do a little off-roading on them, if you're so inclined.

What drew me to this bike was its ability to "grow" with me as my riding progresses. It's comfortable and sturdy, which the newbie in me really appreciated, but it's also lightweight and sporty. Like you, I was not able to plunk down heavy money for a bike. The 7.2 FX was right at what I felt comfortable spending as a beginner.

I don't have any experience with Specialized, GT, or the other brands you mentioned, so I can't comment on those.

[Biciclista]

wow, I really have to hand it to you. You are one tough gal. I would have wimped out in the first store and bought what he told me, and i would have wimped out in the second store without even buying a waterbottle!!

YOU are amazing.

You really need to test ride some bikes. If you can put up with what you already did, you can ALSO climb onto a bike and find out what fits you.
We do want to know your inseam.

Now back to that electra. they are definitely well made. Do you live somewhere where there are hills? Pick up an Electra. Do you want to carry (ride) that up a hill? that's my problem with them.
Now when all these people start telling you that you need a cushy seat because you're not used to riding, they're full of it. Those big fat seats? the minute you start really pedaling, they're going to rub the insides of your thighs and then you're not going to want to ride.

What do you think about the hybrid bikes? they aren't as heavy as the Electra, but they have slightly fatter tires and are a bit more upright, yet they are lightweight and fun to ride.

So tell us (again) your inseam, how long are your arms?

[Eden]

Ah, the invisible woman customer trick! Notice that the guy helping the guy didn't bother to say "someone will be right over to help you!" He was too busy helping the probably uber-fit athletic dude. That's poor customer service, I'm just saying.

Personally I get annoyed by the over eager must jump on customer as soon as they open the door kind of thing...... I want to be left alone until I approach them with a question.... One person's poor customer service is another's personal space...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I too like to be left alone for a while when I walk into a bike shop and start mentally checking out the store. I know how to ask for help when I need it.

I agree with Mimi- can you test ride any hybrid bikes somewhere? A hybrid would be great- semi-upright, but usually fairly zippy, and with wider sturdier tires than racing/road bikes.

I wouldn't want an Electra either....way too heavy. Too many hills where I live!

The first guy seems to be trying to sell you a "comfort bike" or "beach cruiser bike"....these generally are for out-of-shape people who only ride to the corner store and back once a month - they are heavy and less useful for any serious fitness riding.

A hybrid would be a good first bike choice- it can do a lot and is sturdy and comfortable.

[Tuckervill]

I like to be left alone, but I still like to be greeted when I come in. Just say, "hi" or something.

Karen

[Ana]

Personally I get annoyed by the over eager must jump on customer as soon as they open the door kind of thing...... I want to be left alone until I approach them with a question.... One person's poor customer service is another's personal space...

I get irritated with overly eager sales people as well. I do, however, like to be acknowledged and I don't mind being asked if they are able to help me with anything because I can always say "No, thank you" or "Maybe after I've had a look around."

I absolutely abhor salespeople who belittle your knowledge or ability because of their first impression (size, sex, etc...) and are unwilling to consider your wants/input

[Grog]

Good for you for sticking with it and asking your questions outright.

Disclaimer: I am a pretty lightweight rider so I don't know much about wheel strength and the like. But my bet is that unless you're really above 300 lbs (I can't remember from the other thread) it's not going to be super big concern. Maybe you'll have to get your wheels trued more often than the average Joe. But you might also lose a bit of weight sooner than later if you stick to that bike. And if it's a problem then you can deal with it when it arises.

I have had a Trek 7.1 fx and now have a Trek 7.2 fx. (Well, still have the 7.1 but it needs to be scrapped because the frame was bent in an accident.) I love both.

I have ridden an Electra bike on my wedding day, it was the bride's limousine. (The groom had his own limousine, a Norco beach cruiser very similar to the Electra.) I drool all over them when I see them. But I would not buy one. While they are gorgeous and fun to ride, they really belong to the boardwalk by the beach, and their weight makes it a big (discouraging) challenge to go up hills. (There I was, a pretty fit cyclist, in my wedding dress on this lovely Electra, trying to go up a 2% incline for only 100 meters, and thinking: how will it look in the pictures if I have to get off the bike and push it up the "hill"? I made it up, thankfully!)

Sure an Electra bike would get you started for a little bit, but I think it would be quite limiting in a number of ways. A hybrid of the style of the 7.2 will work well for a number of different functions (commuting to work, errands, fun rides, even long rides up to 3-4 hours long). I have a lightweight road bike but I use my 7.2 a lot.

Don't worry about how "small" it looks. There's plenty of bike in there for you.

Of course you should check out other bikes. And don't be afraid of trying the non-WSD bikes, too. My two Treks have been of the regular type. Unless you plan to go on trails in the woods, I'm sure a hybrid bike (with slimmer, light-threaded tires) will be great for you.

Keep us posted! I can't wait to hear more about your cycling adventures!

[Zen]

What drew me to this bike was its ability to "grow" with me as my riding progresses. It's comfortable and sturdy, which the newbie in me really appreciated, but it's also lightweight and sporty. Like you, I was not able to plunk down heavy money for a bike. The 7.2 FX was right at what I felt comfortable spending as a beginner.

I'll second that.

As for the shop, I would like to be acknowledged but given space. Something along the lines of 'can I help you find something-no I'm just looking- well just let me know if you need anything"

[zeWoo]

First off, I really would like to apologize for that first post -- wow, that thing was long-- believe it or not I'm a fairly quiet and shy person, but when I know I have to be assertive, I muster the strength...

Anyway, for all inquiring minds -- my inseam is 32" -- and my arm length is 23" -- that 7.2 FX was tiny, I tell ya...

As for the Electra, he was showing me the 'Townie'... it's kind of interesting you bring up the weight, because that sucker looked heavy, so I told him... I have to carry that thing up a flight of spiral stairs to my apartment -- and he gave me the ol' show of strength move and picked it up with one hand... while straining to say 'see, it's not that heavy' -- I told him I would be riding in the area, which is downtown and I live on a large open mall -- so maybe he had beach cruising in mind -- it's kind of cruisy here.

I'm now looking at the GT Transeo, it has pretty good reviews from what I've found -- even a few people that said they picked it, over the Trek and were quite happy -- I'll have to go back and chat with the guy about it ... although there is the issue that I haven't ridden the bike, hmmm. I decided that why drive all over creation, just because Trek is the name I've become familiar with... My slight annoyance at the big bike shop has remained and the only other Trek dealer is not close -- so if my guy down the street can work with me, then I'm going to give him my business.

I get irritated with overly eager sales people as well.

I here ya, I'm the same way in many respects, IF I know what I'm doing-- in this case, I clearly would have been easy pickins in a game of 'Which One of These Things Doesn't Belong' -- I worked in piano sales for a few years and the bicycle business would appear to be similar in nature, it's intimidating when you don't know anything, all those bikes looked the same to me, so a salesperson can't let someone linger for too long without saying something to them -- it's business suicide, there's always another guy a little further down the street that is happy to take your money.


Anyway, thanks for the advice on shopping for a bike, I'm confident I'll get the right one -- this rivals buying a car.

[Biciclista]

yes, that Transeo sounds like what i was thinking of.

GOOD LUCK!

[aicabsolut]

I didn't read all of the post, but the guys are absolutely correct about wheels. Wheels certainly have weight limits, and you don't necessarily have to weigh as much as 300lbs to start worrying about wheels. For some wheels, 200lbs is enough to cause concern. It will depend on the type of wheel to some extent (a lightweight race wheel for a road bike will have much lower weight recommendations than other types, for example). A thicker metal rim and a high spoke count will definitely be good for a skinny (but not super skinny), sporty wheel. Basically, it's a safety issue. You don't want to be breaking spokes and having maintenance problems with the wheel. The last thing you want is for a broken spoke to turn into a serious crash. I would listen to them on this point. Yes, more durable wheels may cost more.

As for the frame and type of bike, go as sporty as you want. Faster will mean a skinnier wheel rim, a lighter frame, and straighter tube shapes (i.e., not a step-through bike).

It's good to go in and learn about all the different types and make the information-gathering trip you did. Now do some homework and then go back ready to test ride some. Try out other shops and do the same.