Noobie and a query regarding collecting new bike

funkidunc

Hi Guys and Girls

I have just started using this website and have been struck by how friendly and helpful you lot are so I thought I would take the plunge with this forum.

I have a query but firstly a little about me. I am 35 male living in Guiseley, just north of Leeds. I have been mainly using a front suspension Claud Butler mountain bike for all my leisure/trying to get fit riding for the past 5 years or so. I have asthma so have found cycling and swimming far more preferential than that running malarkey. I became a new dad 5 months ago and so my exercise regime (if you could call it that) had fallen by the wayside.

Whilst walking past some bike shops I started to go in and see what was being produced in 2010. In doing so I have deemed that I need a new bike to begin a new regime. Now I am pretty lucky where I live, being near Dales/Pennines, that there are numerous good IBS. After visiting all of them I decided to plump for Woodrup Cycles on Kirkstall Rd because they were very friendly, spared a lot of time and knowledgeable. I had a look around and fell for a Specialised Tricross (£700).

Whilst at work I discovered my employer ran the C2W voucher scheme (always a bonus to get one over the tax man!) thus ordered my £700 voucher.

In the meantime I was despatched to London for 6 weeks by work. This gave me plenty of thinking time plus the chance to try my mates Specialised Sirrus around Richmond Park. I realised I would rather have a road bike to enjoy the stunning scenery around me and utilise my old MTB for towpaths etc.

Upon return to Leeds I went back to Woodrup and tried the Specialised Allez and Sectuer. I really liked the Sectuer so ordered the Sport version plus clipless pedals (the type that look like normal pedals with the clipping mechanism in the middle) and shoes with recessed cleats.

Sorry about the long-windedness but my query is this; the bike shop have called today informing me my bike is ready for collect (very excited!!) what things/questions do I need to check/ask prior to me cycling off into the sunset?

Thank you in advance. Hopefully there are some local people I can meet up with for a cycle and a cheeky pint.

Cheers

Dunc

markos1963

Actually its a very good and different question for a change so well done and welcome.
Most important thing when picking up the bike is to have a final fitting session to make sure the position is correct. Get out on it from the shop and have a few spins around the area just getting a feel for it and seeing every thing works smoothly and ok. Go though every gear and spend a few minutes in each to check for jumping or slip etc. Try the brakes to see if they work smoothly and release off the rims ok. Try and notice if the saddle is level and you don't slip forward or slide back at all. don't be afraid to ask any questions to the shop at all, its still a lot of money for an item so be sure your happy. Have lots of fun riding it

funkidunc

thank you Markos

STEFANOS4784

funkidunc wrote:

Hi Guys and Girls

I have just started using this website and have been struck by how friendly and helpful you lot are

You obviously missed speed kings threads

Welcome



PS, dont forget piccies of your new steed (or it didn't happen ) 8)

Jaydoubleyou

Hi Dunc,
Welcome from another newbie.
I bought a Spec Sectuer about 6 weeks ago and it has been a revelation after years of MTBs.10 mile rides have gone up to 40 mile rides in a month.
You will love it.

funkidunc

Hi guys

Got the bike (Spesh Secteur Sport) last Saturday, I was a very very excited boy. Also got them to fit M424 spd pedals and got some specialized Taho shoes with recessed cleat.


Couldnt take it for a ride straight away as it was chucking down with lots of surface water.

Anyhow took it out on the bank holiday Monday. on one of my normal routes, from Guiseley to Ilkley via Otley and the back roads.

To say i loved it is an understatement. I was apprehensive about spds but got used to them immediately, no clipless moments for me. The bike was a joy, i felt i was going ten times faster than the old MTB.

Quickly into the route I descended a steep hill (The Chevin) into Otley. That was my most nervewracking moment. I was on the brakes virtually all the was down the hill. Must say I found descending alot scarier (brake newness, position, tires, bike responsiveness????) than on my MTB but hey ho. On the flats I was going at 20mph ( and felt free as a bird) and got up a couple of hills alot easier than before.

I immediately cut 10mins off my standard time.

I also didnt feel as tired or drained at the end of the 10 mile ride as I usually do.

I cant wait to get on the bike again. I am very lucky to have some beautiful countryside and some varied rides around me.

Lillywhite

Glad you're enjoying your new bike. Don't forget, however, that most good cycling dealers will recommend that you take the bike back to them after 4 weeks to check everything over, making sure nothing has worked loose and the gears are running OK since the cables may have stretched.