Bike shopping confusion

[mtgirl]

I am trying to buy my first road bike. I have done a few tris and rented a road bike for each. The bike portion of my race was so much fun.

So I hit a few of my LBS stores and I am so confused. Here is what I am looking at:

Option 1: Specialized. This LBS was amazing. they walked me through all of the components and parts of a bike and gave me so much info. I walked in and they took such great care of me. I liked the bike and had fun but I felt like the seat had to be moved very high for a good fit. But I did have a blast on my test ride.

Option2: Trek. Just a so-so LBS. Bike was great and $200 less than specialized. I could use that extra money for some fun gear. I rented one and it was fine.

Option3: Cannondale CAAD Rival. oh, this bike is sexy. I rented a Cannondale previously and loved it. But it is another $400 more than the specialized. I won't be able to get some of the extras like pedals, shoes etc for awhile after this purchase. I did feel like i had more of an aggressive position on this bike. And the pressure from the front part of the saddle was not comfortable at all. I am not sure if this indicates a poor fit or a need for a different saddle?? But not too impressed with the employees at this LBS.

What say you? Blow the budget for a nicer bike and deal with it as I don't have the cool gear? Or save some bucks and go for the cheaper entry level?

[danielle]

I have no idea which you should buy, except to say if it doesn't feel right don't get it.

I loved getting a new bike but I hated shopping for them. I ended up with a cannondale and love it but I think most people feel that way about they choose. I would spend the extra money on the bike if the one you like most is more expensive.

[mtgirl]

I am excited about getting the bike but it is confusing. I don't really even know what I should be looking for in the feel of a bike.

Lets be honest, I needed someone else to help me justify breaking the budget a bit. Thanks

[bikerchick16]

What Trek bike are you looking at? I know that I love my Madone 4.5. It rides smoothly and I LOVED the color. With the fit, it can take a while to get a bike fitted. With the seat, it can take several rides and switching out different saddles before you find one that works and it is the right fit. I have a really long torso with short arms and legs. It took over 45 minutes to get me originally fitted, and I have finally got the pedals aligned in a way I like. (I have owned the bike for over a year.) If you love the bike, even if it is a bit more spendy, then you should go for it. It will be a bike that you will ride for a long time. The pedals, clips, shoes, and cute clothes can come later. If you truly love cycling, the more expensive one may be worth it. Besides, you can always check out places like Team Estrogen for their cycling gear sales. Good luck!

[mtgirl]

The trek is the Lexa S.

Thanks everyone.

[Deleted]

Jun 3, 2012 3:02:30 GMT -5 bikerchick16 said:

What Trek bike are you looking at? I know that I love my Madone 4.5. It rides smoothly and I LOVED the color. With the fit, it can take a while to get a bike fitted. With the seat, it can take several rides and switching out different saddles before you find one that works and it is the right fit. I have a really long torso with short arms and legs. It took over 45 minutes to get me originally fitted, and I have finally got the pedals aligned in a way I like. (I have owned the bike for over a year.) If you love the bike, even if it is a bit more spendy, then you should go for it. It will be a bike that you will ride for a long time. The pedals, clips, shoes, and cute clothes can come later. If you truly love cycling, the more expensive one may be worth it. Besides, you can always check out places like Team Estrogen for their cycling gear sales. Good luck!

Yeah! This is the bike I just got and I love it soooooooo much. It feels like part of me already.

MtGirl - I personally would not get the Lexa S. I know next to nothing about bikes - so take whatever I say with a grain of salt - but my LBS said it wouldn't stand up to racing and to at least get the SL. Which I suppose eats up any savings.

Also, the 2013 Treks were just released so make sure they cut you a deal on the 2012! My LBS gave me 20% off just for asking.

[allez]

Get the bike that fits properly and you enjoy riding. You can get a new saddle if that is the only issue with your favorite bike. See if the shop has a loaner/test program for saddles to try different ones out. Also, I agree with the OP that you ask for a discount. What is the worst they are going to say, no? My LBS is pretty good about giving discounts on bikes and accessories to their regular customers. And, as the OPs have said, the other fun stuff (pedals, shoes, etc...) can come later.

[gumi]

It sounds like you like option 1.

I have a Canondale Supersix and I am in love with my bike. It's fast and relatively cheap.

Dont make any decisions though based on a saddle though. Seats are easily swapped out.

[katinthehat]

Saddles are easily swapped out and most bikes come with a very basic (ie uncomfortable) model.

Tweaks in how it feels can be made once you order your bike and get a full fitting done on it. I wouldn't imagine that a bike right out of the shop even with a few adjustments would feel like a perfect fit. So be sure to talk to them about return policy and such.

[sadlebred]

Don't get caught up on brand AT ALL! Buy the one that fits. If it's the more expensive one, it will be worth it so that you ride it more! My bio has lots of bike advice.

I recommend a bike fit with a good bike fitter to everyone. Bike fits start at about $125 and go up from there just depending on where you live, the fitter, etc. My awesome fitter, 55 Nine Performance here in Atlanta, is just over $200.