Terry Demo Bike Sale

[GLC1968]

Psstt....backup bike....backup bike...

I kind of already have one... I have a Terry Classic, too.

I was wondering how they'd do shipping on preassembled bikes. The bike I bought from Terry was a previous year's model but it had never been assembled before so they shipped directly to my LBS and they put it together for me. I would bet that if you already have a good relationship with an LBS, that Terry would ship to them for you.

I think I paid $30 for shipping my bike back then, too.

Honestly, if they had an older Madeline in my size, I'd be all over it. That's a very similiar bike to my Classic - nice steel, good componentry...a real quality bike for a song! I paid $500 for my classic and it was used (not a demo, but owned by some other person)!

[owlice]

I placed a call this morning about selling the ring and should know something about that later today. (I have funds available to purchase the bike even without the ring sold, however.)

I'm feeling under-researched -- I think that's the mental block I'm having. Why this bike over a, say, Trek of some kind? What questions should I be asking Terry about this bike? Besides "May I buy this, please?," I mean!

I've seen Ultegra cranks praised on these forums, like that it's a triple (as I need all the help I can get!), and Shimano components are good, from what I've read here. If I get a new bike, I have to consider using for a hybrid commute, so I'd need to put a rack on it; is that a sacrilege for this bike?

[Thorn]

All kidding and pushing aside, if the time isn't right, the time isn't right.

I don't know what level of componentry is on that bike. It is probably probably similar to the componentry listed at:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/terry/madeleine.html

Entry level components. Solid, but not high end. Gearing is to the lower (easier) end, so if you're not super strong, you'll have a lot of gears to choose from.

But, that bike was designed for touring. As such, she screams to have have a rack. The image on Sheldon Brown's site looks like it has full mounts for a rear rack. That said, this is a touring bike. By definition, it will be easy going--keeps a straight line and doesn't have quick steering like a racing bike.

Why this over a Trek? That I cannot answer for you. In the end, it all comes down to fit. Do you have time to window shop at a bike shop? Put a couple of bikes up on a trainer and spin. How do they fit? See what you can learn? Oh, and then, the bike shop that treats you best is where you take your bike for service. Bike shops make money on service and parts, too, even if you buy the bike elsewhere.

[owlice]

Thorn, merci beaucoup plus encore! I've been poking around, and found this: http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...eine&Type=bike

That seems to match up with the info on the sale page. Also learned that the Madeleine frame changed from steel to aluminum a few years ago (so the 2007 Madeleine on the sale page has an aluminum frame, whereas the 2002 has a steel frame). So this looks like a good opportunity to get a reasonably priced steel bike.

I sent off a note to Georgena letting her know I was interested. I also sent a note off to a biking buddy who wrote back with a buy recommendation, though he cautions that the bike may not be lighter than the Giant I have now. I don't recall what the Giant weighs, only that it seems like A Lot.

Screams for a rack, hmm?

:: adding up in her head.... bike... shipping... pedals... rack... red paint job for the car so it matches the new bike... custom jersey and shorts so they match the new bike... new helmet which matches the bike... dyeing the cats' fur to match the new.... wait... that might be going too far... ::

[owlice]

All that angst for nothing; with the bike having a standover height of 33" and me apparently having an inseam of just under 32" as measured by the Georgena method, it looks like that bike is too big for me, if I'm understanding standover height correctly.

[Thorn]

To be honest, I thought you were looking at the aluminum. A 23in/58cm is a big bike, probably borderline for someone 5'10"--I'm 6' so, for me, 23" is about right.

But, that said, look at the other side of things....you've learned more about bikes and you've done more research, right? Check the site again next week--maybe the perfect bike will be waiting for you then.

[owlice]

Thorn, yes, I've learned more, certainly! The note for the 2002 Mad says it typically fits a 5'9" - 5'10" rider, and I'm definitely 5'10", so I thought it'd be okay. Georgena said she couldn't recommend it, given my inseam. (Of course, this makes me want to buy one of her bikes even more!)

She said she doesn't have a smaller Mad "with a straight bar" to be added to the list. I take it that "straight bar" refers to the handlebar? If so, dropped bars would not be a deal breaker for me, and I wrote back to let her know that.

[Thorn]

Georgena Terry is one of my heros....an engineer who saw a need and not just developed a product, but defined a segment of the industry. And, unlike some heros, when I've had dealings with her, her hero status only grows--she's quite a down-to-earth person. Also, like good engineers, a straight shooter. Hence, telling you, no, the bike won't fit.

Have you watched some of her videos? She's got some on frame design and simple road repairs.

Yep, straightbar would be hybrid/mountain bike style; drops would be road bike style. It is a matter of preference. Drops give you more hand positions, but not all of them are near the brakes; straightbars tend to sit you higher (although not always) and can give you better handling while your hands are still near the brakes. But, those points can be argued by anyone who believes strongly one way or the other.

[tulip]

Thread drift...

A few years ago I was on a supported bike tour in Vermont. At dinner the first night, we all went around the table and introduced ourselves. The very nice lady sitting next to me, and with whom I had spoken earlier in the day, said, "My name is Georgeanna and I'm an engineer."

Yes it was her. My heart skipped a beat!

[Thorn]

Thread drift...

A few years ago I was on a supported bike tour in Vermont. At dinner the first night, we all went around the table and introduced ourselves. The very nice lady sitting next to me, and with whom I had spoken earlier in the day, said, "My name is Georgeanna and I'm an engineer."

Yes it was her. My heart skipped a beat!

Great story....

[Tri Girl]

very, very cool, Tulip!

[owlice]

Thorn, I've watched most (maybe all!) of her videos, which I thought excellent.

I see the page has been updated with a 2009 Fast Woman. Out of my price range (should have asked for a more expensive wedding band ), but what a great deal for someone!

Oh, and another, an Isis Sport.

~~ sigh ~~

[GLC1968]

Thorn, I've watched most (maybe all!) of her videos, which I thought excellent.

I see the page has been updated with a 2009 Fast Woman. Out of my price range (should have asked for a more expensive wedding band ), but what a great deal for someone!

Oh, and another, an Isis Sport.

~~ sigh ~~

Oy. I couldn't justify the 2007 Isis....but a Fast Woman? Yummy! Hmmmm.... I wish I had endless $$ and a super huge garage!

[owlice]

I don't know whether this is feasible/wise, but.... could I put 650mm rims/tires on the 2002 Madeleine? That would reduce the height of the bike, enough for me to be able to stand over it. Is this a silly idea?

[Thorn]

I could be wrong, but it doesn't seem feasible. A frame is designed with a specific wheel size. Change that; change the handling. Beyond that, even if it did work, you'd have to change out the brakes as you just shrunk the wheels.

No....IMO, better to sit tight and wait....your perfect bike is out there.