Originally Posted by
breeze
Thanks for the feedback-- I'm definitely dumping this LBS.
There's another LBS, about a 30-min drive, that I'm going to check out this weekend. They sell Specialized, Trek, and Surly, and have a Dolce that may fit me. If I come in for a fitting, they are willing to order a Terry for me to try, as well.
Depending on how well that goes, I'll probably also get in touch with the Terry dealer that's 3.5 hours away and plan on a weekend trip sometime soon. While they don't have a smaller Symmetry in stock, they said they could get one in for me with 1-2 weeks notice, no problems, no charge/obligation. That's the shop where I bought my first Terry, and I've referred a few other customers their way, so it is a decent option.
Also short (4'10.5") with short arms. The biggest issues I had with bikes was the reach. The 44cm Dolce may work for you, it has a top tube of less than 50cm. This bike has the more standard 700 wheels. I ended up getting a Trek Madone in the 43cm size, which was even more compact. This size was also available on one of their Lexas. (They have 650 wheels, not 700s) Unfortunately, Trek quit making this size and it is not available after 2011, though their might be some 2011 Lexa's around for a good price.
The Felt ZW75 650 in petite is another possibility, again it have a top tube of less than 50cm. It also has the 650 wheels.
I tried the Surly LHT in the 42 size--the reach was too long. Plus, I didn't really want a bike that heavy.
Depending on your size, the Terry may very well be your best bet. I never was able to track one down to try. I had a terrible time finding anything to try out and ended up taking the risk on the Madone without trying it first, after working with a fitter who thought it was the best choice for me. My other option was going custom but impatience for wanting a bike won the day.
Trek Madone 4.7 WSD
Cannondale Quick4
1969 Schwinn Collegiate, original owner
Terry Classic
Richard Feynman: “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.”