Buying a Bike in Three Weeks--Suggestions

[Ritamarie]

Test ride your bike before buying. Most good bike shops will let you go for a real ride, not just around the parking lot. My LBS let me take each bike I was considering out for a 10 mile ride. I rode the same loop on all. I chose a hilly loop since I wanted a good climbing bike. I test rode a $1200 bike that beat out the $4000 bike hands down. It just suited me and my riding style. I ended up buying the upgraded version of that $1200 bike.... a Cannondale Synapse Fem 1, which by the way, from your description is a bike you should try (not necessarily the Fem 1).

By the way, I have a friend that has that bike that I didn't like, and she's crazy fast on it. It suits her style.

Another LBS that I went to when I was looking for my Surly, told me "Be back by 7:00 PM; that's when we close." (It was 11:00 AM.)

Bring a friend with a bike equipped with a bike computer and go for a ride.

Also, a piece of advice my father gave me when I was breaking out in a cold sweat over the thought of spending so much money on a bike. "You'll never regret buying quality". He was right.

[mirliluck]

I agree with the others about test riding as many bikes as possible, and take them out for longer than just a spin around the block.

Before I bought my new bike, I, like you, had zeroed in on a particular model (for me it was a Specialized) - based on online reviews and LBS recommendation. But when I actually went out to test ride the Specialized, and others, it was just ok. Then I tried the bike I ended up buying (an Orbea) just on a whim and it was like WOAH!!! this bike and I were meant to be TOGETHER!!!

So yeah, you may be surprised that one bike speaks to you more than another during your search.

[schnitzle]

I agree with the others about test riding as many bikes as possible, and take them out for longer than just a spin around the block.

Before I bought my new bike, I, like you, had zeroed in on a particular model (for me it was a Specialized) - based on online reviews and LBS recommendation. But when I actually went out to test ride the Specialized, and others, it was just ok. Then I tried the bike I ended up buying (an Orbea) just on a whim and it was like WOAH!!! this bike and I were meant to be TOGETHER!!!

So yeah, you may be surprised that one bike speaks to you more than another during your search.

The same type of thing happened to me! I just bought a bike a week ago. Try out a few, it's the only way