I'm in between #1 and #2, partly because I don't know what's available in terms of non-sketch bike shops local to you. There are a lot of advantages to buying local to you. Most shops will have you bring it back (for free) after 100 miles or so to tighten up cables that will inevitably stretch with first use, they may give you a discount on accessories on more than just day of purchase, and they're there to listen and fix if anything doesn't "feel right." If you travel to buy, you have a lot less access to those services. But if there isn't a good LBS near you, you don't really have a great option and maybe traveling is better.
Is there a cycling or tri club at VT that you could contact to ask about shops? That might give you more personal insight into the shops. I have two cousins who live in B'burg but I'm not sure if they would know LBSs.
As for #3, you've done that before. The tri idea has "stood the test of time" and you gave it a shot without spending $ last year. If you're into it, you're into it -- might as well really enjoy it and have the right gear!
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
1. The VT tri club uses the sketcho shop and they get vip treatment there :/ I totally hear you on the local shop though. There are two shops about 45min from me, but there is just about no info or reviews on those places. Only one of the 2 offers BG fitting. The other pushed their own in-house frames. But they have one of the best rated shops in SWVA, so I dunno.
2. There is about a 90% chance that I'll be near the DMV bike shop around the 100 mile mark on the new bike. If not I can make it happen with my now wide-open schedule. (And see some friends and forum ladies in the process!)
3. You are right, and this is one of the reasons why Mr Cupcake is 100% behind this choice. He actually wants to make sure I don't want a TT bike and I'm not "settling" on a good road bike. I kind of adore him.
4.
I can still get the tat, right?
If you have the luxury of time, I'd visit each of the local shops that you are potentially-comfortable with and just see what vibe you get. If nothing is working for you, then go to the other shop, no biggie. You'll appreciate it even more after some duds. I think I shopped at 5+ different local stores before buying my road bike (i.e. my first real bike). It was helpful to me to hear what different people had to say about splurging on frames vs. components and different peoples' values/priorities about where to drop $ and where to save it. You can also test ride ALL THE BIKES and get an actual feel for what you like and dislike, outside, on pavement. Invaluable.
After you've been to a couple, you can also kind of tell for yourself which ones are trying to do right by you vs. just make a sale. I always feel like there's something gained by visiting a store once and seeing what they say. Even if what is gained is just a firm NOPE.
On the subject of tats, I'm just going to leave this here...
And I didn't realize you have family down here! Small world
Yep, I actually have 7 cousins who are Hokies. One still works there as a professor, and another worked there until recently (she still lives in town). They are all super enthusiastic about the school. It's a long freakin' haul to visit from here, but I was down in the area (Floyd specifically) for my cousin's 40th bday maybe 1.5 year ago. I wish there was a better way to get between here and there because it seems like a pretty groovy area. But flying Albany to Roanoke and then is sub-optimal.
That's not put on by City Tri, is it? Â Because I have notes on them... and not the rave kind.
It's put on by CGI racing. I am familiar with running race companies, but not tri companies yet.
The half that I ran today was put on by CGI Racing. I've never done a tri, but the half was a great event. I'm pretty sure that one of my crossfit coaches has done the NJ Tri; I'll try to ask her tomorrow and let you know her feedback!
The half that I ran today was put on by CGI Racing. I've never done a tri, but the half was a great event. I'm pretty sure that one of my crossfit coaches has done the NJ Tri; I'll try to ask her tomorrow and let you know her feedback!
Sweet, thank you!
Talked to my coach this morning, she loved the NJ State Tri. She said it was really well organized and loved the swim. She's not a hardcore triathlete but has done a few.
I have a discount code from CGI if you want to use it: EXPO2015
Talked to my coach this morning, she loved the NJ State Tri. She said it was really well organized and loved the swim. She's not a hardcore triathlete but has done a few.
I have a discount code from CGI if you want to use it: EXPO2015
You are the best! I've put myself on the wait list for the oly (omg wtf am I thinking...) and I'll do it if can get in. Thanks so much!
@vtcupcake, eeee! That is so exciting. That is what "it" should sound like! That bike is very classic looking. Very sleek.
FWIW, I have 105s on my road bike (a 2011) and the road bike I rented in Kona in January (a 2015 Specialized Amira) also had 105's. I find them perfectly satisfactory. (I do not feel that way about the SRAM Apex on my tri bike, but there's time to upgrade that post-baby, and I got the bike for a steal.) If you have the opportunity to upgrade to Ultegra for a reasonable cost then sure, maybe jump for it, but I wouldn't drop tons of cash to do it. If anything, maybe just swap a few key parts (maybe rear derailleur, maybe crank). 105s and up are interchangeable and piecemeal upgradeable, which is nice.
CROSS ROCKS! Did you tell her you know the goddess of all things Georgia Cross??
105 is good stuff and will last you for a long time. My advice is don't bother to upgrade the bike to Ultegra JUST BECAUSE. Only do it if something breaks. Visit the other bike shop, see what they have....but when you have that IT moment, that's it! It's over. Do your homework, but don't overthink it if the Bianchi is THE BIKE FOR YOU!
@vtcupcake, eeee! That is so exciting. That is what "it" should sound like! That bike is very classic looking. Very sleek.
FWIW, I have 105s on my road bike (a 2011) and the road bike I rented in Kona in January (a 2015 Specialized Amira) also had 105's. I find them perfectly satisfactory. (I do not feel that way about the SRAM Apex on my tri bike, but there's time to upgrade that post-baby, and I got the bike for a steal.) If you have the opportunity to upgrade to Ultegra for a reasonable cost then sure, maybe jump for it, but I wouldn't drop tons of cash to do it. If anything, maybe just swap a few key parts (maybe rear derailleur, maybe crank). 105s and up are interchangeable and piecemeal upgradeable, which is nice.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I already called her "she". I'm already looking up retro Bianchi cycling jerseys. LOL.
I have 105s on my hybrid, and while I know you can't make the comparison a serious one I feel like the components have to have some extra time to think about what they're about to do before they do it. The jump to Ultegra from the 105s is like $300. Plus this shop has some pretty nice incentives (first tuneup free whenever that is, 20% off all accessories, etc etc). They are such a tiny shop but I can see why they are rated #1 in the region.
That's interesting. How many speed (i.e. how old?) are the 105s on your hybrid? I have the slightly older 10 speed 105s on my road bike, and the Amira I rode had 11 speed. I really don't have any lag issues or complaints. I'm not sure I'd appreciate Ultegra if I had it. I think a lot of the difference as you go up the range from 105 to Dura Ace is weight, which is not a big enough deal for me to pay for at my level.
If you're trying to decide, I'd ask to ride a bike that has Ultegra on it, and see if you can feel the difference between the Bianchi's 105's and the Ultegra. That should give you your answer as to whether it's worth it. If you don't feel a big difference, well, you have sadlebred's endorsement of 105s anyway. Personally I'd rather spend $300 on either a more comfortable/vented helmet, or more cycling clothes, or something else that would affect my day to day cycling experience a little more. Cycling toys add up fast! Saddle bag... CO2 valve and cartridges... spare tubes... tire levers... jerseys... shorts... socks... pedals... shoes/cleats... helmet upgrade if you want one... blinkie light(s) if you might ever push the bounds on twilight... floor pump... trainer for when fall/winter eventually comes... speed/cadence sensors... bike computer... bottle cages and bottles... nutrition for the long rides you're about to take... potential new saddle since stock saddles are rarely perfect... all varying levels of "need."
Susie You can't even compare Dura-Ace to 105 as you know. It really is an amazing gruppo and totally different....and way more expensive. I've used 105 and DA, and DA is worth every penny. The shifting is much smoother than anything else on the market except maybe Campy Super Record. Of course, it's light as can be.
For the price, durability, and such, you can't beat 105.