Buying a Bike in Three Weeks--Suggestions

[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