Freaking out (a little) about bike being built

[Ana]

I decided to splurge for a new bike. It just so happened that Lynskey had a really good price on a frame my size, plus I hunted down an awesome deal on a groupset. I have been really excited for the last week or so but recently, I have been getting uneasy.

This is the first bike I've purchased that I have not test ridden beforehand. The sales rep assured me that I would like it (I think that is part of his job) but I'm terrified: what if I go through all this time and expense and don't like it?

It's not a custom bike but I think it should fit well

If nothing else, I would be comforted to hear some of your stories about receiving a bike you've never test ridden and your experience with it (did you like it right away?). I'm expecting at least a few minor adjustments to get the fit right but what if it's not a huge improvement from my aluminum frame?

::deep breath::

[Veronica]

I had not ridden my Rivendell Legolas when I ordered it. It's not custom either. I've had it nearly three years now and still really love it.

Veronica

[tulip]

Did they do all sorts of measurements as if you were going to have a custom built bike and then compare those measurements to the bike you are getting?

I have a Luna that was not custom built for me. I did test ride it before purchasing, though, because I happened to be in New Mexico for another reason. However, Margo measured me up, measured the bike up, and said it was a good fit. And it has been perfect.

[Trek420]

I had not ridden my Mondonico or any Mondonico for that matter when I ordered mine. I met with the builder, he measured me, then he went off to Italy to sip espresso and build my bike.

I had a loaner Della Santa www.dellasanta.com from my LBS's fleet while I waited. I did think "If this is what custom steel feels like I'm going to like this."

My bike was finished maybe 2 months before my first AIDS ride. You know how they say don't make any major change to your bike before a multi day tour? Do as they say and not as I did but I love that bike!

[GLC1968]

I have bought 3 bikes prior to riding them.

The first was my Specialized Dolce Comp - they didn't have anything even close to my size to try in the bike I wanted, so I ordered it sight unseen. I liked it well enough, but it was about a year later that I decided that it wasn't the bike for me.

The second was my Terry Classic. I bought it used from a woman who put less than 50 miles on it. I liked it when I got it, but it was really hard to judge because there were a lot of changes that I needed to make before it was super comfortable. I still have it - it's my commuter.

The third was my Terry Isis. I'd never even seen one in person. I did all the geometry comparisons and ordered it online. They shipped to a local LBS for the build and I picked it up from them. I had a little fine tunning to do, but even though it wasn't set up 100% for that first ride, I'll still never forget it. I went out by myself at lunch one day and did my usual route. I did it MUCH faster than usual because I think I was so excited. Riding the bike felt like I was riding on glass...it was soooo smooth! Instant love. Turns out, lasting love too...I still adore this bike!

[jobob]

I had a Lynskey built up without ever test riding it, and it came out fabulous.

I had a semi-custom build, in that the dealer took the measurements off my current road bike (which fit me pretty well) and had them transferred more-or-less onto a Lynskey R230 frame using their "houseblend custom" program.

So it's not an off-the-shelf frame, but it's not one of their "pro builds" where they start from scratch and build up a bike to someones exact specs either, it's sort of in-between.

It's a big difference from my fairly heavy steel Riv - much lighter weight, and it's very easy to get up to speed.

I wrote about getting my first impressions here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=29763

I hope you like your Lynskey as much as I like mine.

[Ana]

I just e-mailed the rep with my dimensions and asking him about the fit.

I will definitely keep you informed after it arrives Oh, I'm still nervous.... I guess that is the advantage of test riding: you can fall in love with the bike at the shop and take it home immediately No time for anxieties.

[Biciclista]

you will be nervous until you ride it. I was.

[Ana]

you will be nervous until you ride it. I was.

Oh no!

How will I survive the wait?

[ilima]

I didn't test ride my Merlin before I ordered it. After the first ride, I knew I'd never ride my alu Felt again and sold it on craigslist.

I've since bought a LeMond Poprad frameset that I never rode, either.

And now I'm thinking of getting a mixte through Velo Orange. Won't get to ride that beforehand, either.

[Pedal Wench]

I've test-rode my first road bike. After that, I knew what dimensions would work for me. Since then, I've bought a bunch of eBay based on their geometries and knowing what could be changed.

[SadieKate]

I think I've testridden approximately 4 bikes out of the bazillion I've bought. Ok, bazillion is an exaggeration but not much.

If you've had bikes that fit you well in the past or you know why it didn't fit, you can purchase a frame un-test ridden. Just work with a knowledgeable person with your measurements and the measurements of your old bike(s).

[Cataboo]

I bought my carbon frame off craigslist knowing the dimensions - but given that it was only a frame, I couldn't test ride. I brought a set of wheels with me so I could put it on and sort of approximate how the standover was and such... Love the frame, it had the 73 degree seat angle & 540 top tube that I wanted and hadn't actually ridden because my other bikes were 74 degrees or so, but just felt wrong... It was rare in a small frame.

My litespeed I just bought off ebay and the only information the seller had up was "49 cm", i did my best to google the frame and try to figure out what the geometry was... I didn't have much time till the auction ended, it looked like it was going to be a great price, so I just bought it and hoped for the best, figuring I could find it a new home if I had to... I absolutely adore that bike, I haven't had to change anything other than the handlebars and the seat. Stem, etc. were all a great fit for me.


I've bought bikes that I test rode that I eventually decided I hated - just because sometimes you have to go 40 miles or so to really figure out what you don't like in a bike.

[kenyonchris]

I just built my Colnago, I ordered the frame off eBay. I did the best I could with the measurements, Colnagos are weirdly sized too. Then I built the dang thing up going with pretty much all new and different stuff. I LOVE it, but there are still things I need to tweak to make it perfect. My poor Ruby is sitting neglected, I will sell it. Too nice a bike to just sit there.
I wouldn't have done it two or three bikes ago, before I knew what I wanted and, at least, what I DIDN'T like. I am always finding new stuff I don't like, to go with the stuff I do.
And it was an anxious moment when I rode it for the first time....but patience paid off...it fits me like a glove!