Calling all bike gals!

[bullygirl979]

sadlebred, trigal and Susie, especially. And anyone else that can help!

I know I've talked with you ladies before about bike buying so please bear with me  I'm looking to buy my first road bike. I want to start doing triathlons and also get some more exercise. I've ridden carbon fiber and aluminum bikes and I'm pretty set on carbon. 

Here is my issue. I'm 5'9 and was measured for a 54 cm bike. Most of the bike stores where I live have a limited selection of women's bikes and even fewer 54 cm bikes to test ride. I have tried men's but 99% of them aren't comfortable. 

So....how do you go about buying a bike? I mean, I rode a 2014 Trek Madone 4.3 WSD that I really liked and a Specialized 2012 Roubaix Elite (men's) that I liked. The only thing with the Specialized is that I would have to change out the handlebars (which they said they could do) as they are too wide and I would need a new saddle. Also, I have really small hands so I'm not sure if they could adjust the brakes/shifters to fit my hands better. They are both the same price. Do I buy one of these 2 given that I liked them? I just feel like I haven't been able to really comparison shop as I've only been able to ride 7 bikes and some of them were aluminum so I don't feel like I got a good idea of how they would handle, kwim? 

Hopefully all this babbling makes sense. Thanks for any advice you can give!

[shorewife]

I have the Trek Madone 4.3. Trek is making road bikes especially for women now so they are supposed to fit us a little better than trying to adjust a men's bike. Its hard to tell what you like without testing the right frame size though. I ended up going to a far away bike store just to try to test ride the right frame size for me. It really was worth it.

[peppermint]

I'm not a bike expert, but when I was in the process of purchasing a bike, my LBS switched out handlebars and seats for me so I could get a feel for what felt best. I also tried 2 different sized frames since I could technically go for either size. I agree with above poster - if you can find a shop with the frame size you need, it'd be worth it to give it a good test ride. Also, the Trek store by my house offered to let me take a bike home for a few days to test ride before buying, which I thought was awesome. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting!

[bullygirl979]

May 28, 2014 9:28:09 GMT -5 shorewife said:

I have the Trek Madone 4.3. Trek is making road bikes especially for women now so they are supposed to fit us a little better than trying to adjust a men's bike. Its hard to tell what you like without testing the right frame size though. I ended up going to a far away bike store just to try to test ride the right frame size for me. It really was worth it.

I was looking at the specs on the Specialized and it was really close to the Madone. Probably why I liked it, haha. One local chain said they could order me a bike and that I could get a refund on the deposit if I didn't like it. But I don't want to waste potential months of ordering, waiting, trying, returning, ordering, waiting, etc. 

I might have to call some bike stores in the next city over. I really like the idea of buying from a LBS as I feel like I would have a tie there but it may not be the best idea. 

How are you liking the Madone so far? 

[Susie]

Is there a reason you're looking at the Roubaix rather than the Ruby? Is it only because no stores have had a 54 cm women's frame for you to try? If so, don't let that artificially limit you. I have a 48 cm (the sizes are in cm rather than in) Ruby, so I am partial it's the women's version of the Roubaix.

Have any of the aluminum bikes you've ridden had the same geometry as a carbon frame from the same company? Can you mentally separate the feel of C vs. Al from feel of geometry?

I'm in a meeting all day today but will try to respond more later.

[gumi]

I strongly suggest working with a bike fitter BEFORE purchasing a bike.
The bike fitter can give you the exact measurements and you can order everything correctly. If you order a bike and then get fit, you will probably have to swap out stuff and make the process longer.

Plus, bike stores want to sell you a bike so by working with a bike fitter, you get the best bike for your built instead of buying whatever the bike store is selling.

With a bike, fit is everything. Even just adjusting a cleat or the seat or the stem a MILLIMETER can impact your power.

[katinthehat]

basically, anything on a bike can be adjusted for a better fit. Most of your money is going to be spent on the frame, so get the frame that best fits you regardless of how the handlebars or saddles or brakes feel because all of that is able to be adjusted.

I've totally flipped my handlebars upside down, put a new stem on it, three raisers and completely grannified my saddle so I can ride this whole pregnancy.

Your brakes aren't welded to the bike; the hoods are attached with screws and it's easy for them to be moved closer or further apart, or up or down more to fit your preference.

I don't know too many people that still use the stock saddle on their bike either, so don't let the comfort (or lack thereof) influence how you feel about the bike.

If the specialized is under your budget, go for that since you already know you'll have to buy some extra add ons for it.

[bullygirl979]

May 28, 2014 9:43:03 GMT -5 gumi said:

I strongly suggest working with a bike fitter BEFORE purchasing a bike.
The bike fitter can give you the exact measurements and you can order everything correctly. If you order a bike and then get fit, you will probably have to swap out stuff and make the process longer.

Plus, bike stores want to sell you a bike so by working with a bike fitter, you get the best bike for your built instead of buying whatever the bike store is selling.

With a bike, fit is everything. Even just adjusting a cleat or the seat or the stem a MILLIMETER can impact your power.

I had a basic fitting done. Here is their description:

Our staff will help you find the right size bike for you. Our Laser Measuring Module takes five measurements from different locations in a completely non-invasive procedure that won't hurt and doesn't even require anyone to touch you. After we take the measurements our computers go to work and Body Scanning CRM turns out the optimal measurements for your bicycle.


They also have 3 levels of more comprehensive fittings (which cost more money $90, $159 and $300 respectively). Would you recommend one of the higher level fittings or is what I had done enough IYO? 

[bullygirl979]

May 28, 2014 9:40:18 GMT -5 Susie said:

Is there a reason you're looking at the Roubaix rather than the Ruby? Is it only because no stores have had a 54 cm women's frame for you to try? If so, don't let that artificially limit you. I have a 48 cm (the sizes are in cm rather than in) Ruby, so I am partial it's the women's version of the Roubaix.

Have any of the aluminum bikes you've ridden had the same geometry as a carbon frame from the same company? Can you mentally separate the feel of C vs. Al from feel of geometry?

I'm in a meeting all day today but will try to respond more later.

One of the LBS I went to suggested the Roubaix. I was trying a WSD Giant and I hated it. I felt too stretched. When I told the guy that, he said the Roubaix is more compact so it may feel more comfortable. I tried it and it was really comfortable. But yes, part of it is that there are very few shops that have 54 cm (lol, not inches--duh!) for me to ride. There are still 2 more LBS that I can try.

The ones that do have 54 aluminum I am still riding and I am *trying* to separate out the geometry from the material feel. Although non of the alum ones I tried I liked, so I may be failing at that! 

[Susie]

May 28, 2014 10:10:43 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

May 28, 2014 9:40:18 GMT -5 Susie said:

Is there a reason you're looking at the Roubaix rather than the Ruby? Is it only because no stores have had a 54 cm women's frame for you to try? If so, don't let that artificially limit you. I have a 48 cm (the sizes are in cm rather than in) Ruby, so I am partial it's the women's version of the Roubaix.

Have any of the aluminum bikes you've ridden had the same geometry as a carbon frame from the same company? Can you mentally separate the feel of C vs. Al from feel of geometry?

I'm in a meeting all day today but will try to respond more later.

One of the LBS I went to suggested the Roubaix. I was trying a WSD Giant and I hated it. I felt too stretched. When I told the guy that, he said the Roubaix is more compact so it may feel more comfortable. I tried it and it was really comfortable. But yes, part of it is that there are very few shops that have 54 cm (lol, not inches--duh!) for me to ride. There are still 2 more LBS that I can try.

That sounds really arbitrary, and not especially well reasoned.  "You don't like the Giant women's frame?  How about a Specialized men's frame?"  Let's throw some darts at a board and see if you decide you like and want to buy something!

I agree w/ the others about starting with a comprehensive fitting (not 5 measurements) and ordering the bike that fits your measurements from there.  

[bullygirl979]

May 28, 2014 11:17:12 GMT -5 Susie said:

May 28, 2014 10:10:43 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

One of the LBS I went to suggested the Roubaix. I was trying a WSD Giant and I hated it. I felt too stretched. When I told the guy that, he said the Roubaix is more compact so it may feel more comfortable. I tried it and it was really comfortable. But yes, part of it is that there are very few shops that have 54 cm (lol, not inches--duh!) for me to ride. There are still 2 more LBS that I can try.

That sounds really arbitrary, and not especially well reasoned.  "You don't like the Giant women's frame?  How about a Specialized men's frame?"  Let's throw some darts at a board and see if you decide you like and want to buy something!

I agree w/ the others about starting with a comprehensive fitting (not 5 measurements) and ordering the bike that fits your measurements from there.  

Lol. I may have simplified it a bit. We were talking about what I liked in the Madone and what I didn't like in the Giant. In what I was describing to him, he said the Specialized geometry in that model seemed more in line with the Madone and hence, I may feel more comfortable on it. They sell several other brands so it wasn't a "don't like this, get that" kind of thing. 

So here is my question (and probably a silly one but I'm a newbie so I need to learn ) I get what gumi is saying about finding the right fit the first time around. But if I've found a frame that is comfortable, and everything else is adjustable, why should I get a fitting? Question has zero snark to it, I'm really interested in learning from people who have WAY more experience than I do! 

[gumi]

May 28, 2014 12:27:59 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

May 28, 2014 11:17:12 GMT -5 Susie said:

That sounds really arbitrary, and not especially well reasoned.  "You don't like the Giant women's frame?  How about a Specialized men's frame?"  Let's throw some darts at a board and see if you decide you like and want to buy something!

I agree w/ the others about starting with a comprehensive fitting (not 5 measurements) and ordering the bike that fits your measurements from there.  

Lol. I may have simplified it a bit. We were talking about what I liked in the Madone and what I didn't like in the Giant. In what I was describing to him, he said the Specialized geometry in that model seemed more in line with the Madone and hence, I may feel more comfortable on it. They sell several other brands so it wasn't a "don't like this, get that" kind of thing. 

So here is my question (and probably a silly one but I'm a newbie so I need to learn ) I get what gumi is saying about finding the right fit the first time around. But if I've found a frame that is comfortable, and everything else is adjustable, why should I get a fitting? Question has zero snark to it, I'm really interested in learning from people who have WAY more experience than I do! 

you may have felt too stretched on the Giant because the stem was too short or the seat was too back...unless you spent an hour getting it fit, it didn't fit.  

The reason I suggest a bike fitter over a bike shop is because the bike shop wants to sell you a bike.  Bike shops do not work with ALL the manufacturers...they are dealers.  A bike fitter may make money of commission (although they charge their own rate so I'm not sure about that at all), but their interest is finding you the best bike for your build, not the best bike out of only certain brands.

Last year my friend bought a gorgeous 10K tri-bike.  She loved it, hunted it down, and thought it was perfect.  After numerous fittings, she had to spend another 5K swapping out components.  I know that is extreme, but after watching her go through that, I swore I would never purchase a bike before consulting a fitter. if you really trust your bike shop, then you should trust them and let the guide you.  But, I wouldn't trust just any corner bike store just like I don't trust any auto repair shop.  I have friends that own bikes stores and I love my friends. But I still would call my fitter!

[sadlebred]

I'll agree with gumi--I'd go see a bike fitter and spend the money to get a fit. If you can find a good shop that carries several brands that is reputable, I'd trust them, too. Ask around your local cycling community to see who they recommend.

Chances are no matter what bike you buy you will have to swap out a few components. It's not unreasonable to swap out the stem, saddle, or pedals or all 3. I usually factor that into the cost of a new bike.

Also, have you been on the manufacturer websites to compare geometry of the bikes and sizes you are trying? You might be able to compare the bikes you like to the one you don't and find out the measurement that is throwing it off. For me it's top tube and reach/stack height. I can deal with almost anything else, but I know what those two measurements need to fall between for a bike to fit me.

[bullygirl979]

sadlebred, I have gone on the manufacturers websites but I haven't compared the two that work to the ones that don't. That is a really good idea, thanks!

The initial shop I went to, I really trust the salesperson. I've known him (not personally, but as an acquaintance) for years as he worked at my LRS. When he was there, he recommended this bike shop. As he does a lot of tris, he made the switch over to the bike shop. I trust he is trying to sell me on what is right for me plus, he is one of the guys that actually does the professional fitting at that store.

[Susie]

May 28, 2014 12:27:59 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

May 28, 2014 11:17:12 GMT -5 Susie said:

That sounds really arbitrary, and not especially well reasoned.  "You don't like the Giant women's frame?  How about a Specialized men's frame?"  Let's throw some darts at a board and see if you decide you like and want to buy something!

I agree w/ the others about starting with a comprehensive fitting (not 5 measurements) and ordering the bike that fits your measurements from there.  

But if I've found a frame that is comfortable, and everything else is adjustable, why should I get a fitting? Question has zero snark to it, I'm really interested in learning from people who have WAY more experience than I do! 

There is more to fit than feeling comfortable off the bat. There could be 3 bikes that all feel comfortable for 10 miles, but at 50+? Tiny little tweaks matter. There is also the consideration of finding the fit that helps you maximize your power output on the bike, and still further, determining whether a road bike will be adjustable in the appropriate directions & dimensions with aerobars, should you desire to add them later for tri's.

[katinthehat]

If you have a fitter that has his own studio and space, then it's worth it to spend more. I don't think it's necessarily better to spend more on an fit when it's a fitter associated with a bike store. Not that they are scamming you, but they're not going to recommend a bike that they don't carry or can't order for you.

And like Sadlebred said, if you have a price point that's very fixed, get your bike under that. All the extras are going to add up and since you're starting from scratch, there might be a bit of trial and error for everything from shorts you like to finding the right pair of shoes. All of that can make a big difference in how you feel on your bike as well.

[bullygirl979]

Thanks for all the advice!

I actually went to another LBS last night where the woman spent 45 minutes taking measurements and making adjustments on the bike before she would let me ride it. She also said they would swap out the stem and handlebars for free. I'm going back tonight for a longer test ride as I was very impressed with their service. I was doing some research last night and it was very hard to find an independent bike fitter where I live. Pretty much all of them are associated with a LBS.

[gumi]

May 29, 2014 8:36:35 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

Thanks for all the advice!

I actually went to another LBS last night where the woman spent 45 minutes taking measurements and making adjustments on the bike before she would let me ride it. She also said they would swap out the stem and handlebars for free. I'm going back tonight for a longer test ride as I was very impressed with their service. I was doing some research last night and it was very hard to find an independent bike fitter where I live. Pretty much all of them are associated with a LBS.

In my experience, most of them work out of their house and are word-of-mouth.  If you belong to a gym with a cycling group, or have friends in a cycling group, that is the best way to get a recommendation. Cycling groups are a wealth of knowledge - once you get your bike, make sure you join one!

[bullygirl979]

gumi, thanks for the advice, I definitely plan on hooking up with one!