LBS and womens bikes

[nuliajuk]

... I am pretty sure that's why they don't stock the smaller sizes. they don't want to mark them down to sell them.

That could happen with any size bike. My Look 566 is a really common size (medium/53cm) and it would probably still be sitting there unsold, last year's model on sale, if I hadn't bought it recently.
Some bike shops are selling on sites like eBay, I've noticed. For a person who does want an unusual size, at either end of the spectrum, it exposes them to a much wider range of choices, and the shop to a wider range of customers.

[breeze]

Thanks for the feedback-- I'm definitely dumping this LBS.

There's another LBS, about a 30-min drive, that I'm going to check out this weekend. They sell Specialized, Trek, and Surly, and have a Dolce that may fit me. If I come in for a fitting, they are willing to order a Terry for me to try, as well.

Depending on how well that goes, I'll probably also get in touch with the Terry dealer that's 3.5 hours away and plan on a weekend trip sometime soon. While they don't have a smaller Symmetry in stock, they said they could get one in for me with 1-2 weeks notice, no problems, no charge/obligation. That's the shop where I bought my first Terry, and I've referred a few other customers their way, so it is a decent option.

[goldfinch]

Thanks for the feedback-- I'm definitely dumping this LBS.

There's another LBS, about a 30-min drive, that I'm going to check out this weekend. They sell Specialized, Trek, and Surly, and have a Dolce that may fit me. If I come in for a fitting, they are willing to order a Terry for me to try, as well.

Depending on how well that goes, I'll probably also get in touch with the Terry dealer that's 3.5 hours away and plan on a weekend trip sometime soon. While they don't have a smaller Symmetry in stock, they said they could get one in for me with 1-2 weeks notice, no problems, no charge/obligation. That's the shop where I bought my first Terry, and I've referred a few other customers their way, so it is a decent option.

Also short (4'10.5") with short arms. The biggest issues I had with bikes was the reach. The 44cm Dolce may work for you, it has a top tube of less than 50cm. This bike has the more standard 700 wheels. I ended up getting a Trek Madone in the 43cm size, which was even more compact. This size was also available on one of their Lexas. (They have 650 wheels, not 700s) Unfortunately, Trek quit making this size and it is not available after 2011, though their might be some 2011 Lexa's around for a good price.

The Felt ZW75 650 in petite is another possibility, again it have a top tube of less than 50cm. It also has the 650 wheels.

I tried the Surly LHT in the 42 size--the reach was too long. Plus, I didn't really want a bike that heavy.

Depending on your size, the Terry may very well be your best bet. I never was able to track one down to try. I had a terrible time finding anything to try out and ended up taking the risk on the Madone without trying it first, after working with a fitter who thought it was the best choice for me. My other option was going custom but impatience for wanting a bike won the day.

[Dogmama]

Run, do not walk, away from this LBS. If they can't be bothered to sell you a bike, what happens if you have a major issue? I would also let the Terry people know why you are not buying from that LBS.

Trust me on this one. Been there, done that & got the t-shirt.

[Triskeliongirl]

What size bike are you looking for? I road terry bikes for years (classical long legs, short torso and arms) and am very happy on my 48cm Cervelo RS w 650c wheels.

[rivergal]

I'd also suggest looking at Felt. My sister at 4'11" has a small ZW95 and likes it a lot.

[breeze]

goldfinch, I'm wondering if reach will be an issue for me. (Probably). Thanks for the Felt suggestion (rivergal, too!)-- I'm going to call the local dealer tomorrow to see what they have in the shop.

Triskeliongirl- the Cervelo is gorgeous! Unfortunately, out of my price range right now (trying to keep this bike under $1200; less would be better, as I'm still in grad school).

Size-wise, I'm slightly less than 5'1", with a 28" inseam. There's an LBS with a Specialized Dolce that I'm hoping to try tomorrow, but they only have the 48 and not the 44, so we'll see how it goes.