Road bike shopping from the boonies

[weathergal]

Hey all, delurking here for a bit of advice.

I've been riding a entry level mountain bike with slicks (a Bianchi Ocelot in case anyone cares) for the past 6 years. I've found I enjoy riding on road more than off road, so with my tax refund this year, I've decided to get an real road bike. Nothing real fancy yet, my budget is $1000 or under.

My problem is that I live out in the middle of nowhere, and am wondering where I can test ride. My town used to have a bike shop, but it went under before I moved here two years ago. There is a bike shop 50 miles away that I've gone to for accessories and tune-ups in the past. They're a good shop, and I'd like to take my business there, but most of the bikes they carry are kids and mountain bikes. Last time I was there they had two road bikes on the floor, and I'm willing to bet neither would fit me (I'm a little under 5'5"). If I made a decision I'm sure they'd order one for me, but I would like to test ride first.

I'm heading down to Oklahoma City in about a week for other reasons, and was considering hitting the bike shops while I was down there. Hopefully I'd be able to test ride, and if I happen to like the brands my local shop carries (Trek and Specialized), I could go back and just order from them. Kind of sneaky, though. I'm also worried that the LBS's in OKC may not even have bikes my size available to test ride. But I'm not sure what else to do.

Thanks, and sorry for the long, rambling post.

[DeniseGoldberg]

It's very possible that the larger bike shops you are considering visiting while in Oklahoma City will have bikes in your size that they will need to assemble before you can test ride them. For that reason, you may want to call ahead of time to see what they have and what they are willing to build. But - by building out the bikes and spending time with you as you look at and test ride bikes, those shops are spending time trying to meet your needs. While I'm a fan of supporting your LBS, I think you should consider purchasing the bike at the shop that you are using for test riding. You can always use your LBS for service later. (Can you tell I feel strongly about this? And no, I don't work for a bike shop!)

And - at this time of year many of the larger shops are running sales, with a price cut on last year's models. Might be easier to fit your budget.

Happy shopping!

--- Denise

[neuroticcyclist]

I am on the opposite end of the size spectrum (BIG) so know about bikes not being there. Denise is right - call ahead.

It sounds, though, that since you have been riding a mountain bike, you may not have a good idea of what frame size for a road bike exactly fits you. You might consider getting a fitting (even for a fee) from the LBS if they can do that so you know what the likely options are. Among other things, you might like the smaller brake heads, narrower handlebars, etc. of a female specific design - Trek has one, for example, but most folks don't have the full range in store. Some of my less BIG friends love them, others hate them. Depends on their body proportion, hand size, etc.

When I go shopping for bikes with a friend just starting (has been happening a lot since a bunch are giving up running and moving to riding), we start with a LBS where, even if you don't purchase, they give a great fitting advice (small fee) and service/customization after the bike needs tweaking but buy the bike on line or from a larger store. Most folks don't just fit a bike exactly the way it comes out of the factory, so it is good to know someone who can help tweak this and that.

The other good thing about buying from the local is that, if something doesn't fit but you don't figure it out until it hurts a couple months later, you can get them to switch it out for you, often with no charge. Of course, the switch out concerns may not apply to you, but... keep them in mind.

Good luck!

[weathergal]

Thanks Denise and neuroticcyclist. You both brought up some points I hadn't really thought of.

I'm coming to the realization that I'm proably going to have to make more than one road trip to a big city. I really only have one day down in OKC, and that may not be enough time. Especially since neuroticcyclist is right, I don't know what size of road bike would really fit me. And I'm typically indecisive anyway.

So I'll go get fitted (either at my local shop or somewhere else), then hit every bike shop that's within a day's drive or so of my area. Hopefully I'll be able to make a decision before the weather starts getting bad again this fall.

[Adventure Girl]

And I'm typically indecisive anyway.

I'm indecisive, too... Well, sometimes I am, sometimes I'm not...

You've been given some good advice here. Do loads of research before you make the big trip. Personally I prefer to buy locally, but sometimes that just doesn't work. I ordered and bought my road bike sight unseen. But I did try the fit of other bikes from the same line with similar geometry. And my LBS told me that when I ordered my bike I didn't have to buy it if I didn't like it or it didn't fit. Luckily for me, I love it and it fits like a glove!