Ok, ready to pull the trigger!

[tulip]

Do any of the shops have other models in your size to try out to get broad fit-feel? They are both great bikes, so it really does come down to fit.

[bluegirl]

OOOOOH! I just called a bike shop about 2 hours away and they have both Aurora's (53) and Surly's (CC (50) & LHT (52)) IN STOCK. The sizes they have are a size or two bigger than what I would probably ride, but somewhat close. Considering I've not seen a single Aurora (except for my old *** one) and only a 56cm Cross Check, this is promising news!

So, ROAD TRIP this weekend. YES!

[Biciclista]

if you're thinking you fit a 42, there's no way you're going to be able to pedal and reach the brakes on a 50 or a 52!

[bluegirl]

haha! Yeah, I was just remembering that I had said that about the 42. But the dude I talked to said it sounded like I was thinking way too small for my height: 5"4'. So, we'll see.

Is it weird that I just want to touch one? Even if it's too big?

[bluegirl]

Ok, I DID IT!!!!

I drove my butt all the way down to Tucson from Phoenix so I could see both the Cross Check and the Jamis Aurora side by side. The Aurora is one beautiful bike, for sure, but I decided to go with the Cross Check. I just liked the look at feel of it for my zipping around town purposes.

The 50cm was definitely a bit big, but not as big as I expected. And the guy at the bike shop was so nice, but I wanted to order from somewhere near to me. I've visited literally 20 shops around me, and just didn't fall in love with anyone, so I was agonizing and agonizing about what shop to order from.

Finally I just said screw it and went to the shop that's like a block from my house. And you know what? The guy was SO FREAKING NICE, and he took such good care of me and made me feel comfortable. And they even had the Nutcase helmet I wanted. And he gave me a sweet deal on switching out to the STI shifters.

We had a bit of a debate about the size, but he said we would switch it out it the size didn't work. SUCH a relief! (Plus the smallest size is back ordered until the end of September.)

All in all, a wonderful bike shop experience! Now, I need a freaking nap, it's been a loooong day.

So, the Surly Cross Check in blacktacular is on order and will be here on Friday. WHOOO HOOOO!!

Thanks to all for the help!! Pictures definitely forthcoming. I scored an Acorn handlebar bag before I even had decided on a bike, so that'll probably be here by then!!

[tulip]

So you got the 50cm? Not to rain on your parade--I really hope it works for you--but I'm 5'6" and my oh-so-perfect road bike is a 49cm. But, everyone has different proportions. Just be pragmatic and if it's too big, switch it out sooner rather than later. It won't get smaller, and you probably won't get taller.

[laura*]

So you got the 50cm?

I suspect she got the 46cm. The smallest (backordered) size would be the 42cm. So thus I assume the debate was between the 42 and 46. Plus, with the 50 being only slightly too big, the 46 would have been a safe choice.