Price Inquiry 07 Specialized Ruby Expert

[eric99gt]

Thanks for the incite all. I'm still having a hard time figuring out what exactly to do regarding sizing. I've found a few other bikes that would be a close fit but some of the things like stand over height are close to her inseam. Is this a problem? Like her inseam is 766 mm and one of the bikes I'm looking at has a stand over height of 735 mm. I'm also thinking I'm worrying a bit too much regarding size as this is her first road bike and I doubt she'll ever be doing anything real hardcore.

[jessmarimba]

The size of the bike is definitely important, but reach will be more important than inseam. If you say she tried this bike (but a newer model), do you know what size she rode then?

Honestly, if I were her, I'd appreciate your efforts but would probably want some input in the choice of the bike (better than a surprise gone wrong, hmm?). Maybe call up the person selling it and bring her to try the bike, but just keep the price secret. It might hurt the surprise factor a little but it's easier than trying to re-sell the bike on CL next week b/c it didn't fit right.

[eric99gt]

It's a bit difficult to get her on the bike as it's quite a distance away. I'm really focused on buying a used bike so I can get high quality for a lesser price (possibly even sacrificing fit a bit). Given that most of the bikes I'm looking at are used (and very far away) getting a ride on the bike prior to purchasing may be difficult. Maybe I should just have her buy new at a local bikeshop while sacrificing some quality.

[Roadtrip]

I may be wrong here, but sometimes the tech/components that's on newer (this years models, or last years) may be better then the version that's three or four years old... so the top of the line 2007 may be about the same as a mid-level 2010. DH has been eying new(er) road bikes so we've been going over the same things.

Hopefully someone else who's a wrench and more knowledgeable about these things or this specific model's offerings can chime in.

I also like my local shop and included in the price of my bike was life time adjustments. If something just doesn't feel right, I can stop in and the tech takes a look and adjusts for as long as a own the bike. For me being new to bikes and not knowledgeable on the why's something doesn't feel right is worth the peace of mind I can always stop in and drool over the newer bikes while mines being looked at!!!

[Rebecca19804]

+1 Best quality in the world at expense of good fit (and by that, I mean, not merely adequate) means the bike will not get ridden. Even at a bargain price, it'd just be a waste of space and money until hived off via craigslist or ebay.

[Trek420]

if it's a birthday present consider a gift certificate to a LBS you've checked out and like (one that communicates well, has a good reputation for service, etc).

Wrap the gift certificate and present it to her on her BD. Or ....

Take her out for dinner to an eatery near a LBS. Casually stroll by the shop on the way or after "oh, let's just look in" and casually mention "Happy birthday darling, look around and when you're ready I will buy you the bike you want." Or ....

Get her a bike jersey (hint, from TE. See link above and to the left to shop). Wrap it up.
"But honey, I don't have a bike. "
"Look in the jersey pocket" And put the bike shop GC there.

Chicks dig this kinda thing YMMV oh, and introduce her to this forum.

[Kris]

You don't have to be doing anything "hardcore" to want a bike that fits. I've never done anything hardcore on my bike, but I appreciate that it doesn't hurt to ride it every time I get on it. I think she'd be better off with a mediocre bike that fits than a hot-shot bike that can't be made comfortable. Good luck with your shopping.

[Cataboo]

It's a bit difficult to get her on the bike as it's quite a distance away. I'm really focused on buying a used bike so I can get high quality for a lesser price (possibly even sacrificing fit a bit). Given that most of the bikes I'm looking at are used (and very far away) getting a ride on the bike prior to purchasing may be difficult. Maybe I should just have her buy new at a local bikeshop while sacrificing some quality.

Buying used is a great idea. Sacrificing fit is not. If the bike doesn't fit well or causes her pain, she's not going to ride it.

[TrekTheKaty]

Bike fit is very personal. Hubby did a lot of research and was convinced the first two bikes he picked out were perfect. HATED em. Bought the third at a different bike shop--on the way home to regroup.

An LBS might be a better idea--then you can exchange if it's not comfortable.