WWYD (bike related)

[bullygirl979]

First, thanks for all the advice in the other bike thread. I went to an awesome LBS that offered great service and spent several hours fitting me and letting me test ride. I narrowed it down to 2 bikes and have 3 options that I'm looking for opinions on. One note, when I started, I was trying to keep my budget under 2k but was willing to bend a little on it. 

Option 1: New 2014 Scott Solace 30 with 105 components. I REALLY liked this bike. The first time I rode it, I had the "this bike was made for ME" feeling. The fitter even commented (after I told her my thoughts) that this bike fits me really, really well. Downside: it was $2500 which I was able to negotiate down to $2400

Option 2: New 2014 Trek Domane 4.3 with 105 components. I liked this bike. It was comfortable, handled well and the IsoSpeed decoupler made going over bumps seem like a breeze. While I didn't have as big of a of reaction as I did over the Scott, I still really liked it and could see myself happy with the purchase. It was $2100 which I could probably negotiate down to $2k.

Option 3: Looked on CL and found a used 2013 Domane 5.2 with Ultegra components. Has approx 1200 miles on it and is like new (per seller). Haven't ridden it, but it is the same geometry as the 2014 4.3. The guy is selling it due to health issues and is asking $2250 firm. Brand new it is a $3,500 bike. 

Now the LBS is willing to switch out the handlebars and stem for free. They will charge me the difference for switching out the saddle. Also, the LBS will give me a free fit at time of purchase, one after 3 months, 10% off accessories, a free 1 year tune up and some other stuff (that I don't remember, lol). The used bike I would have to pay for a new stem, saddle and handlebars but it comes with clipless pedals and I won't have to pay tax. I would also have to pay for a fitting. But on the upside, I would get better components.

So, WBWYP? (that stands for Which Bike Would You Pick?

[Deleted]

Option 1. Spend the money, get the perfect bike. You'll ride it more, be more comfortable, and never find yourself thinking 'gee I wish I'd spent another $400 for that other bike, my neck is stiff/etc'.

[sadlebred]

1. If you love it, and it fits, get it.

Don't overthink this. The best bike is the one you say "OMG! I love this bike! It fits me so well!!! IT'S MY BIKE!!"

I think you've found it. Plus, it sounds like you will get great service from the LBS.

[katyintx]

First one. Think of it how I think of expensive clothes/shoes purchases:
If jeans A cost $200 but I love them, and know I'll wear them more, if I wear them 200 times over their lifetime, they're $1/wear. But if Jeans B ($120) don't fit as well, aren't as flattering, and don't look as good overall, I'll probably only wear them 100 times total, making them $1.20/wear PLUS I'll be buying new jeans faster. So really, the more expensive jeans are really the cheaper ones!  

Even if the second bike is acceptable, you won't be as excited to ride it as much as you sound like you are the first one, thus not getting as much bang for your buck.

Does that make any sense?  I totally can justify any purchase...

[katinthehat]

Get the Scott. You love it, it loves you.

[trigal]

Jun 3, 2014 14:21:27 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

1. If you love it, and it fits, get it.

Don't overthink this. The best bike is the one you say "OMG! I love this bike! It fits me so well!!! IT'S MY BIKE!!"

I think you've found it. Plus, it sounds like you will get great service from the LBS.

This.

[bullygirl979]

katyintx, it totally makes sense. A bargain isn't a that good of a deal if you won't use it as much as the item that you really wanted that was full price.

[sadlebred]

I'll say it again...when the bike fits, and it screams

"I LOVE YOU! YOU LOVE ME, WE ARE PERFECT TOGETHER! I AM YOURS! TAKE ME HOME!!"

Take it home....

(after paying, of course.)

[bullygirl979]

Jun 3, 2014 21:47:12 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I'll say it again...when the bike fits, and it screams

"I LOVE YOU! YOU LOVE ME, WE ARE PERFECT TOGETHER! I AM YOURS! TAKE ME HOME!!"

Take it home....

(after paying, of course.)

 I am going to pay her a visit after work for another test ride. 

[Susie]

Agree with everyone - the Scott.

The modest price difference on #2 is so not worth it. And #3, 1200 miles isn't "like new" - plus it didn't speak to you they way #1 did.

[bullygirl979]

So....I went and test rode both the Domane 4.3 and the Scott again. I was out for over 40 minutes on the Scott and then jumped on the Domane. Within 20 minutes I was back at the shop on the Scott. It was SO much easier to climb hills and I was super comfortable the whole time.

They are putting on new handlebars and water bottle cages. I might be able to pick it up tomorrow

[sadlebred]

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

[marcyiam]

Yay! We will need pictures!

[bullygirl979]

Jun 5, 2014 4:06:36 GMT -5 marcyiam said:

Yay! We will need pictures!

Will do! She is purrrttty! Now I just need a name for her...

[trigal]

Woohoo!!

[katyintx]

Yay! Congratulations!