New bike fit concern

[Owlie]

First thank you so much for everyone's feedback. I have learned so much from everyone's replies. Every single one of you rock!!

I went to the bike shop today and addressed my concerns. They will not trade out the bike as it is now considered used. The manager, who also sold me the bike, said that is why they do the fitting to make sure the bike is the right size. I was speechless. Other than telling me to decide which bike was more comfortable and raising the seat, he did not really do a fitting. I really wanted to remind him that he spent more time talking to my SO than talking to me about the bike but I kept my mouth shut. No sense in alienating him or the shop. He did say that whatever adjustments that need to be done, including shortening and sanding the stem to adjust my reach, is completely covered for the first year. He also said to keep riding as my comfort level may change as I get use to the bike. So with all that said it looks like I will be keeping my bike and I'm completely okay with that. I've grown kinda attached to her!

I'm getting a not-good vibe from that shop. They don't seem to be doing their job. Please, find another one.

[Kathi]

Don't accept this. There is a huge difference between a fitting and a sizing. You got a sizing and a very poor one. There's a world of difference between a bike that fits well and an "almost" fit.

From the Master Bike Fitters Association:

"Sizing” based methods are often used to buy and sell bikes via the internet and by shops who do not have a firm commitment or understanding of fitting. A bike sizing usually takes under half an hour and can consist of as little as seeing if the rider has stand over clearance over the top tube or (at the most) taking some basic body measurements and then selecting the bike size based upon this. A “sizing” is limited in scope and does not take into account important individual rider based variables or even whether the bike is even offered in a frame geometry that is suitable to your needs. The end result of a “sizing” is that the rider must do their best to adapt to the limitations and constraints of the model that is chosen. Despite these substantial limitations, the vast majority of bikes, even high-end bikes, are bought and sold by “sizing”.

http://www.fitwerx.com/bike-sizing-v...g-fit-formulas

This bike is too big for you, the frame itself may not fit your needs, and sooner or later you will be sorry you bought it. Return the bike and go somewhere else.

[Megustalaplaya]

Yes, there is another bike shop in my area and several more about 30 minutes away. I have lots of options but this shop is just a few miles away from where I live. With that said, I may find that I'm going to need to do business some where else.


I'm really liking this bike. I've put about 60 miles on her since Saturday and I can't wait till I have an opportunity to do a longer ride this weekend. I'm going to have some of the adjustments that were suggested on this thread made to the bike over time. I think once I have some miles on her I'll be able to make a better decision on what changes to make.

Thank you again everyone! I've learned so much already from you. I never realized what a wealth of information I would find when I stumbled upon this site during a search.

MUAH!