Test riding experience

[farrellcollie]

I ened up with the scott contessa roadster after not being able to get bianchi imola to fit me as well - I wentt with fit - but I sure did want the bianchi to work. I did not like the bianchi eros donna as well - the campy shifting was odd to me and bike jsut felt off. I wish I was and inch or two taller.

[dachshund]

Thanks, jobob, those are really good suggestions.
Amy

[dachshund]

Update:
I checked the LBS near work. Honestly, I like the guys in this store better than the shops near my house. But it's in the city, about 45 minutes away. Drat!

The Eros has the same exact frame, just different components. This salesperson thinks I'd need a smaller frame, like a 49. I didn't have time to ride anything here. Funny, since the other place did some measurements. I'm kind of puzzled by this. One guy looks at me and says, "oh the frame was probably too big" and at the other place, where they took measurements and I rode their bikes, they didn't offer this. I'm suspicious

And the guy I just talked to said most of their bikes go out with triple chain rings, and that the whole "compact double" thing is kind of a he-man, machismo thing. Guess which store I'd rather plunk down my money in!

[salsabike]

I got an Eros Donna this year and LOVE it. Smooth ride, like Campy shifters. It is a wonderful bike. I'm 5"4', short arms and torso. It fits me very well. I got a bike fit done by a PT, rather than a bike shop, so could go shopping armed with some objective info about what I needed size-wise. That was really helpful.

[dachshund]

Do you know what size frame you got? I'm 5'4

[SandyLS]

My 2005 Bianchi Veloce came with a triple. As a part of my bike fit my shop put on narrower handlebars and a different stem. I also switched out the stock saddle for one more comfortable for me. I love my bike and the beautiful Celest color it comes in. Which ever bike you choose, I highly recommend that you get a professional fit. Mine was included in the price of my new bike, but even if it had not been it would have been worth the price to have it done. Have fun shopping.

[Starfish]

I got a bike fit done by a PT, rather than a bike shop, so could go shopping armed with some objective info about what I needed size-wise. That was really helpful.

Who did your bike fit? Is it over there near U-Village? I'd like to hear anything more about this process with a PT, rather than LBS.

[Fredwina]

Sometimes, I think your size is determined by what the salesperson thinks they can sell you or have in stock. My first bike was a 49cm Schwinn Voyageur, and my primary bike is now a 54CM Cannondale. I'm at the age where I shoudl be shirnking, not growing.....

[dachshund]

Well I decided to listen to my own comment and go back to the store where the sales people seem to have a better grasp on what size I am, instead of... other stuff. I rode the Bianchi Veloce with a 49 frame. That didn't feel at all "stretched out", it just felt like riding a bike. I'm going back Sunday to do the sizing with their fitter... And, they're having a big sale, so I'm saving some $$. Pacific Bicycles in SF, CA, in case anyone wants to check out their sale.
And, it's celeste green