Twerpish to expect this from a (not?) LBS
zanes
Posts: 563
All,
Currently I'm riding around on a 4 year old roadie that was cheap at the time (sora groupset level) that's been a loyal, if somewhat abused, "do it all" (daily commuting hack, load lugger, weekend rides etc) bike. Over the time I've had it it's been mildly modified by my fair self (new wheels, pedals, casette ratios, stem + assorted accesories plus maintenance) and has taught me alot about bikes and maintenance but now it's really getting long in the teeth (due a major fettle this weekend) and realistically I can't justify to myself spending more money on this frame. I also feel my biking is starting to take off (upping mileage etc) whilst I'm on placement.
So, I'm potentially in the market for a new best bike. But, I've got problems;
1) I'm not sure how much I want to spend. Research so far has told me for the sort of thing I'd like (but not need) I'm looking in the 1to 1.6k category.
2) I've never been properly bike fitted- current bike was basically a quick height check in store, fine for £300 worth but not for one that's mega money (for me) I think
3) I've never been on a higher end road bike. I've read contrasting reports and am beginning to think that at my level there might be no real perceptable difference.
4) I'd love something special, but can I justify it? Atm (with low levels of light when I get home) I'm doing ~6.5 miles each day (approx 20-24 mins worth) on very quiet roads. This weekend did a 17.5 miler on Saturday and a 27.5 miler on Sunday. I'd hate to blow serious cash and feel I don't justify it by my usage
5) I'm not sure when I'd like to take the plunge- Will probably be selling my car (500) when I go back to uni so perhaps this would fund it, Just in time for winter!
So, based on all the above I reckon I need to go looking for some specialist dealers (who stock a good range of bikes from the same manufacturer.) Now, I've always felt out of my comfort zone in bike shops (don't know why, probably feelings of incompetence or something) which is odd as technically (eng student) I like to think of myself as quite confident about bike mechanicals and general riding etc.
The other worry is with my uncertainties (budget, usage, feel etc) I'm wondering if it's a bit knobbish to go in, spend some time peering over bikes (with store assistant, possibly), ask for a test ride or two, ride their bikes and come back in and say "sorry, not for me/not going to buy anything/not at this time", especially if it's a more upmarket store?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Sorry for prattling on!
Currently I'm riding around on a 4 year old roadie that was cheap at the time (sora groupset level) that's been a loyal, if somewhat abused, "do it all" (daily commuting hack, load lugger, weekend rides etc) bike. Over the time I've had it it's been mildly modified by my fair self (new wheels, pedals, casette ratios, stem + assorted accesories plus maintenance) and has taught me alot about bikes and maintenance but now it's really getting long in the teeth (due a major fettle this weekend) and realistically I can't justify to myself spending more money on this frame. I also feel my biking is starting to take off (upping mileage etc) whilst I'm on placement.
So, I'm potentially in the market for a new best bike. But, I've got problems;
1) I'm not sure how much I want to spend. Research so far has told me for the sort of thing I'd like (but not need) I'm looking in the 1to 1.6k category.
2) I've never been properly bike fitted- current bike was basically a quick height check in store, fine for £300 worth but not for one that's mega money (for me) I think
3) I've never been on a higher end road bike. I've read contrasting reports and am beginning to think that at my level there might be no real perceptable difference.
4) I'd love something special, but can I justify it? Atm (with low levels of light when I get home) I'm doing ~6.5 miles each day (approx 20-24 mins worth) on very quiet roads. This weekend did a 17.5 miler on Saturday and a 27.5 miler on Sunday. I'd hate to blow serious cash and feel I don't justify it by my usage
5) I'm not sure when I'd like to take the plunge- Will probably be selling my car (500) when I go back to uni so perhaps this would fund it, Just in time for winter!
So, based on all the above I reckon I need to go looking for some specialist dealers (who stock a good range of bikes from the same manufacturer.) Now, I've always felt out of my comfort zone in bike shops (don't know why, probably feelings of incompetence or something) which is odd as technically (eng student) I like to think of myself as quite confident about bike mechanicals and general riding etc.
The other worry is with my uncertainties (budget, usage, feel etc) I'm wondering if it's a bit knobbish to go in, spend some time peering over bikes (with store assistant, possibly), ask for a test ride or two, ride their bikes and come back in and say "sorry, not for me/not going to buy anything/not at this time", especially if it's a more upmarket store?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Sorry for prattling on!
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Comments
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Just say what you've said here. Shops do not expect to sell a bike to every customer.
Be honest with your requirements and expectations and see where it gets you.
My first road bike was a Wilier Mortirolo with Chorus. RRP was £2.5k or so. I love it. Get as nice a bike as you can justify to yourself and go ride.0 -
The other worry is with my uncertainties (budget, usage, feel etc) I'm wondering if it's a bit knobbish to go in, spend some time peering over bikes (with store assistant, possibly), ask for a test ride or two, ride their bikes and come back in and say "sorry, not for me/not going to buy anything/not at this time", especially if it's a more upmarket store?
Any shop worth their salt will give you honest, objective advice. I would rather someone bent my ear for 20 minutes then went away to think about a potential purchase than felt pressured to buy something off me and never came in again.0 -
Thanks guys. Will do a bit of research and maybe ring round. I've found a local willier stockist too! :?0
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Draw up a budget - then browse the web for bikes you like - you may find you have to put a bit of legwork in getting test rides etc - if you aren't prepared to do this - The boardman is good bet - reasonably priced, good VFM , fast bike , and you might easily obtain a test ride.0
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There is bascially as with any product a law of diminishing returns. Is a £200 bike twice as good as a £100 bike maybe...but is a £1600 bike worth double of an £800 bike, maybe not.
My main advice, from costly experience is not to get too hung up race bling, paying £100s for lighter parts, getting obsessed with carbon fibre etc.
Buy a decent reliable bike which fits you well. With regard to the actual bike ask yourself if you want professional racing geometry or not. I'd take a look at the Cannondale Synape range, a real road bike but with slightly relaxed geometry and more practical features such as 25c tyres.0 -
If you came into my shop with what you've said here I'd be looking at something like a Giant Defy 2 or a Trek 2.1...... something with a decent alloy frame, decent STI gears and reasonable wheels. I couldn't justify asking you for £1600 for a bike when you could get all the bike and additional kit you need with change from £1300.0
