Freaking out (a little) about bike being built

[ilima]

I didn't test ride my Merlin before I ordered it. After the first ride, I knew I'd never ride my alu Felt again and sold it on craigslist.

I've since bought a LeMond Poprad frameset that I never rode, either.

And now I'm thinking of getting a mixte through Velo Orange. Won't get to ride that beforehand, either.

[Pedal Wench]

I've test-rode my first road bike. After that, I knew what dimensions would work for me. Since then, I've bought a bunch of eBay based on their geometries and knowing what could be changed.

[SadieKate]

I think I've testridden approximately 4 bikes out of the bazillion I've bought. Ok, bazillion is an exaggeration but not much.

If you've had bikes that fit you well in the past or you know why it didn't fit, you can purchase a frame un-test ridden. Just work with a knowledgeable person with your measurements and the measurements of your old bike(s).

[Cataboo]

I bought my carbon frame off craigslist knowing the dimensions - but given that it was only a frame, I couldn't test ride. I brought a set of wheels with me so I could put it on and sort of approximate how the standover was and such... Love the frame, it had the 73 degree seat angle & 540 top tube that I wanted and hadn't actually ridden because my other bikes were 74 degrees or so, but just felt wrong... It was rare in a small frame.

My litespeed I just bought off ebay and the only information the seller had up was "49 cm", i did my best to google the frame and try to figure out what the geometry was... I didn't have much time till the auction ended, it looked like it was going to be a great price, so I just bought it and hoped for the best, figuring I could find it a new home if I had to... I absolutely adore that bike, I haven't had to change anything other than the handlebars and the seat. Stem, etc. were all a great fit for me.


I've bought bikes that I test rode that I eventually decided I hated - just because sometimes you have to go 40 miles or so to really figure out what you don't like in a bike.

[kenyonchris]

I just built my Colnago, I ordered the frame off eBay. I did the best I could with the measurements, Colnagos are weirdly sized too. Then I built the dang thing up going with pretty much all new and different stuff. I LOVE it, but there are still things I need to tweak to make it perfect. My poor Ruby is sitting neglected, I will sell it. Too nice a bike to just sit there.
I wouldn't have done it two or three bikes ago, before I knew what I wanted and, at least, what I DIDN'T like. I am always finding new stuff I don't like, to go with the stuff I do.
And it was an anxious moment when I rode it for the first time....but patience paid off...it fits me like a glove!