How much does the bike really matter?

[zatar]

I'm finding this whole bike-shopping experience to be incredibly draining.

I woke up early this morning to be at the lbs a little after they opened. I test rode the Synapse (48cm), Six (48cm), and CAAD9 (51cm). The Synapse was definitely the most comfortable of the three, but the CAAD9 was the most fun to ride by far. I loved it.

I checked my email upon returning home from the lbs and saw that the Craig's List seller had replied. She let me know that she already sold the bike. I was pretty bummed at this point, as I had decided the 48cm CAAD9 was exactly what I wanted.

I then searched all of the nearby Cannondale dealers and found one 2009 CAAD9 7 about 4 miles away. I couldn't believe my luck. $775 for a brand new bike! I planned on switching out the Sora components ASAP anyway, but was so excited! I knew exactly what I wanted when I got there, so I asked about it. The salesperson went back to check with a coworker and upon returning, told me that there was somebody putting a deposit on it right then. I spotted her quickly and felt so disappointed. I really, really wanted that bike.

As it happened, we both left the shop at the same time, and we had parked next to each other. I heard her friend talking about the bike and decided to strike up a conversation. She said she really liked it and would be picking it up tonight. I told her that if she changed her mind, I would definitely be interested in buying it. Then, I proceeded to get in my car and fall apart emotionally. All of the sudden I was crying over a bike and I couldn't stop. It was awkward (she was in the car next to me), but I didn't even care at that point. I missed that bike by minutes. I still can't believe it.

My one last idea is to check a few of the REIs around me. They carry Cannondale, but I'm not sure how to check if they have 2009 models in stock. Their website only lists the 2010 models.

I'm really trying to stay positive. My current bike still works. It has been "good enough" for me the past two years, so there's no logical reason that it would suddenly not be "good enough" overnight. It is making me stronger to train and race on it. I know that I'll be racing a familiar bike tomorrow.

Also, by missing out on the two bikes today, I avoided making an impulsive decision. I felt so rushed to get over there this afternoon for the CAAD9 7 and didn't honestly have much time to think about it. I still think it was the right decision, but at least now, I'll have a little more time to think about it.

[Ana]

I'm finding this whole bike-shopping experience to be incredibly draining.

I woke up early this morning to be at the lbs a little after they opened. I test rode the Synapse (48cm), Six (48cm), and CAAD9 (51cm). The Synapse was definitely the most comfortable of the three, but the CAAD9 was the most fun to ride by far. I loved it.

I checked my email upon returning home from the lbs and saw that the Craig's List seller had replied. She let me know that she already sold the bike. I was pretty bummed at this point, as I had decided the 48cm CAAD9 was exactly what I wanted.

I then searched all of the nearby Cannondale dealers and found one 2009 CAAD9 7 about 4 miles away. I couldn't believe my luck. $775 for a brand new bike! I planned on switching out the Sora components ASAP anyway, but was so excited! I knew exactly what I wanted when I got there, so I asked about it. The salesperson went back to check with a coworker and upon returning, told me that there was somebody putting a deposit on it right then. I spotted her quickly and felt so disappointed. I really, really wanted that bike.

As it happened, we both left the shop at the same time, and we had parked next to each other. I heard her friend talking about the bike and decided to strike up a conversation. She said she really liked it and would be picking it up tonight. I told her that if she changed her mind, I would definitely be interested in buying it. Then, I proceeded to get in my car and fall apart emotionally. All of the sudden I was crying over a bike and I couldn't stop. It was awkward (she was in the car next to me), but I didn't even care at that point. I missed that bike by minutes. I still can't believe it.

My one last idea is to check a few of the REIs around me. They carry Cannondale, but I'm not sure how to check if they have 2009 models in stock. Their website only lists the 2010 models.

I'm really trying to stay positive. My current bike still works. It has been "good enough" for me the past two years, so there's no logical reason that it would suddenly not be "good enough" overnight. It is making me stronger to train and race on it. I know that I'll be racing a familiar bike tomorrow.

Also, by missing out on the two bikes today, I avoided making an impulsive decision. I felt so rushed to get over there this afternoon for the CAAD9 7 and didn't honestly have much time to think about it. I still think it was the right decision, but at least now, I'll have a little more time to think about it.

Bike shopping should be fun!!! Don't let these experiences get you down It's just like anything in life: sometimes things don't work out exactly how you planned but if you are determined, you will find what you need (Jager said it best).

Good luck in your search!

[zatar]

Thanks, Ana. I'm a lot less stressed out now that I've made my decision and worrying less about finding the "best deal."

The lbs (where I tested all the Synapse, Six, and CAAD9) is ordering me a 48cm CAAD9 5 Feminine. I'm planing on swapping the components out so that I can have 105 (from the CAAD9) on my current bike (will be rain bike). I'll then buy the ultegra components from my teammate and put them on the CAAD9, so that I have a nice race bike. I'm really excited.

Next week, I might be able to pick up the bike pictured below!

[Ana]

Thanks, Ana. I'm a lot less stressed out now that I've made my decision and worrying less about finding the "best deal."

The lbs (where I tested all the Synapse, Six, and CAAD9) is ordering me a 48cm CAAD9 5 Feminine. I'm planing on swapping the components out so that I can have 105 (from the CAAD9) on my current bike (will be rain bike). I'll then buy the ultegra components from my teammate and put them on the CAAD9, so that I have a nice race bike. I'm really excited.

Next week, I might be able to pick up the bike pictured below!

I am exactly the same way so I empathize: I get caught up in the details (price, timing, etc) and then get myself super stressed out I'm trying to learn how to relax (and thus enjoy things) more too

I'm so glad you found something that will work for you! Pictures and first ride report!!!