I Found The One"!

[stpbound]

Hello all,

After several weeks of looking, testing, asking questions, and learning, I've purchased my new road bike! I'm SO excited!

I think all in all I tested 6 bikes at 3 different LBSs...Scott Contessa, Scott Speedster, Cannondale Feminine Synapse 3, LeMond Etape, Bianchi something or another, and Specialized Roubaix Triple. At first, I was absolutely clueless, having never ridden a road bike before. I was terrified of an aggressive riding position.

Then, as I test rode and asked questions at the more helpful shops (some of these guys were just great about taking the time to talk with me, a complete novice), I learned lots. Probably the biggest eye opener for me was that I didn't have to ride aggressively on the road bike. That it was, in fact, OK for me to want to sit more upright (i.e. my saddle being at the same level as my handlebars). There were things that could be changed (i.e. the stem) to sit me more upright (at least at first) until I was comfortable with a more aggressive position.

I learned quite a lot about frame materials, as well. I learned that it was important to me that the ride felt smooth. At the end, I was able to narrow down my search between 2 different bikes...one was the Cannondale Feminine Synapse 3 and the other was the Specialized Roubaix.

I really, really wanted to love that Cannondale! It came in "Feel It Orange" after all!!!!! Plus, I loved the small shop that was selling the bike. But that Roubaix, with its carbon seat stays and Zertz inserts, was just smooth as silk on pavement as compared to the aluminum back end Cannondale. While the Cannondale seemed to have more pick-up than the Roubaix (it was freakin' fast!), I felt like, for me, the comfort on the bike was more important.

As much as I wanted that Cannondale, the Roubaix just felt right. I had the LBS guy switch the stem to one with a higher rise, and I've kept the original stem for when I want a more aggressive position. I have a suspicion that the stock saddle (an Avatar) will not be the one for me, but I'm gonna ride for a while before I make that determination.

As for the professional fitting...I'm pretty darn sure that the bike is a good fit for me. It's quite comfortable, especially with the new stem. I'm going to ride for a while and take the bike back for tweaks, as needed. If it still doesn't feel perfect after 2 or 3 of these tweaks, than I will probably get the bike fit just to get everything just right.

I can't wait to take this thing out for a spin!

stpbound

[michelem]

Congrats! You give me hope! I'm taking a little breather from test riding for a while so I can resume with a fresh perspective. Keep us updated on your experiences with your new bike!

[Pax]

Sounds fantastic, nothing like a new bike!! I wonder if there's such a thing as "new bike smell"?

[tprevost]

Congratulations! I have a roubaix and I LOVE it! Don't forget to post pictures!!!!!!

[mimitabby]

so which was the small shop you bought it from?
Yes, we'd like to see photos of your new ride!

[sgtiger]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Please give us a ride report after you've taken her on a long ride. I'd be interested to hear how that goes on your Roubaix. Have fun and I hope to see you out there soon.

~sg

[Kano]

Oooh, congrats!

I bought the Roubaix this spring too -- and I LOVE it! I agree with you about the ride -- she's smooth as, well, chip-seal-free road! (hard to find any of that around here!) I've chosen your route -- ride a while and get used to the new position before fitting, and at this point, I think that small tweaks are going to resolve any and everything (saddle -- I'm happy with my Dolce, which was not on the bike when I bought it, but I moved it from my old bike. it got on the bike a bit crooked, so I was sliding around a bit, but I fixed that!)

I think we made a great choice!

Now, DH has a favorite show on tv, but I really should be mowing the back yard...

Karen in Boise

[stpbound]

so which was the small shop you bought it from?
Yes, we'd like to see photos of your new ride!

Hi Mimi,

Actually, the small shop that I was referring to was the one that had the Cannondale...the one that I DIDN'T pick. That shop was Bikesport in Ballard. I really liked the owner, Jef. I was sad that I couldn't give him my business for the bike, but I will be taking my bike there for tune-ups and such since my husband is always extremely happy with their work.

I ended up buying from Gregg's. I'm pretty neutral about that shop. Don't love it. Don't hate it. They just happened to have the bike that I wanted.

Went to Sammamish Valley Cycle. Really liked that shop as well. Again, they just didn't have anything that I liked.

My Roubaix is here: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22199

I got it in the "brushed" color.

[Dianyla]

Congrats on the new bike! May you have many long happy rides together.

[teigyr]

Beautiful!!!

We got a bike at Greggs and I had the same impression. It's too big to be small (or local really) but not a huge chain. The one up at Alderwood did some work on my bike and they're pretty good; the one at Greenlake is where we got the bike.

Isn't it frustrating when you want to support a business but they just don't have what you need?

You picked a perfect time to get the bike! It has been so absolutely beautiful

[colby]

Woohoo! I bet it feels good to FINALLY have made your choice! Congratulations.

[Kano]

Beautiful!!!

Isn't it frustrating when you want to support a business but they just don't have what you need?

You picked a perfect time to get the bike! It has been so absolutely beautiful

Ditto on BOTH these things! DH has said a couple of times about one of the shops where we go looking, but they never seem to have the right stuff....

And oh my gosh the weather is WONDERFUL for riding!

Karen in Boise

[rij73]

Congrats! My DH has the Elite Triple and LOVES IT! It's very nice-looking...