frustrated by the shopping experience in Vegas

[rider772]

No dealer names, but here's the problem:

I am looking for my first road bike. Like a previous poster, I am taller (a shade under 5'9"). Looking at WSD as have long legs and short torso. Budget is in the 1300-1700 range. I have done loads of online research and like (in no order):

Cannondale CAAD9 Feminine 5
Bianchi She Alu Carbon 105
Kona Lisa RD
Scott Contessa Speedster 15
Gary Fisher Ion Super GS
(anything else I should be considering?)

Problem: I have yet to test ride any of these. I *want* to buy from my LBS, but they have nothing on the floor in my size. Twice I gave them my number and they said they would call when they assemble "the one in the back", but never did. It's not like they are brimming with customers, either.

So here I am, with no one to help. What am I doing wrong? Should I just guess and order something? Should I drive to LA or PHX and hope they have something there? I want to enter events, but I first need the bike and some practice time.

Please advise!!

[kermit]

I am a huge fan of Specialized bikes. I ride a roubaix pro, and love the bike. You've got a good price point to work with so don't just "settle" if those guys don't want to build something up for you look elsewhere. Do some surfing and give yourself a radius of distance and start calling some other stores. Don't guess and order blind, find a shop you trust that has the bike you want and will take time with a good fit. If it's not fun you won't ride and can have all kinds of problems(chafing, soreness,etc). I am 5'8 with long legs and torso and ride a 54 in the roubaix. A 90 stem worked perfectly for me. Some bikes, I think Gary Fisher have a much longer top tube and size will be different. Nows a good time to buy because the bike shops are trying to get rid of the 09 models. That gives you a little working room if you find something a little pricier.
Another option: Do you have any bike clubs or certain area where cyclists congregate? Sometimes just meeting a few folks and asking them for opinions will steer you in the right direction. Good luck and ride everything you can, even the higher end ones to get the feel. When you sit on the one you love you will know it!

[Bike Chick]

How frustrating for you. It doesn't sound like any of the shops you visited really need your business, do they? And if they aren't worried about securing you as a customer, then I would be worried about what kind of service I would receive after the sale.

I agree with Kermit. Expand your radius but be sure not to go so far that you can't go back for service. You've done your homework--now go shopping. That's the fun part! And when you get your new bike, be sure to post pics for us to see.

[SBeachBiker]

but keep looking. I eventually got to ride most of the bikes I was interested in, but it took a while, and I ended up doing it on vacation as well! And if a store has a bike you're interested in unbuilt I'd say take the iniative and call back. Ridiculous that you have to, but if it gets you closer to the right bike...

I ride a Jamis Xenith Femme which at $2300 approx. list is out of your price range...BUT I fairly easily found them on sale for 1700-1800 depending on the shop. The roads where I live kinda suck, and this particular carbon frame removes all the chatter and vibration without feeling dead. I think it's a great bike for the money, and believe me I rode EVERYTHING in my price range. Anyway, it might be a consideration for you if the fit is right.