lbs not helpful with sizing

guy.spartacus

Went to my local bike shop this morning to try out a few Giant Defys for size. First thng he did is look in his catalogue, ask how tall I was and then tell me I need a large or extra large.

I knew this already and asked to try one

He didn't have a Defy in either size - but reluctantly pulled out a TCR in large for me to sit on

It had no pedals on it, so I had to hover my foot about where the pedal would be - he said it looked a bit small as my leg was too bent when my heel was on the imaginary pedal.

Does this sound right?

It's my first road bike so I don't know how it's supposed to feel....

help!

derosa

Time to find a new lbs.

1stGenRex

watch a few videos on youtube about bike fitting, that should give you a rough idea as to what it SHOULD look like, but more importantly, never go back to that bike shop again. sizing on one bike may be completely different than on another one, so pulling out a 3rd bike to have you try was pretty useless, especially one with no pedals.

guy.spartacus

all well and good saying 'find a new lbs' - but it is the only local Giant stockist!

he was whinging about it too,

'if you have me running around then go and buy it online I'll take your address and come find you'

nice

[/quote]

1stGenRex

and without sounding like a jerk, why are you set on a giant? I mean, there are plenty of bike brands out there, and with much friendlier/experienced dealers.

guy.spartacus

Budget basically

there really isn't much choice round here for decent shops with decent stock

I mean, there's a Raleigh shop down the road...

Monkeypump

Where exactly are you located?

As others have said, avoid this lbs if they're not prepared to help you (although also be prepared to support a decent lbs by using them and paying a little more than internet prices).

If there really isn't anything local, invest the time/effort to travel further afield as you will regret paying out for a bike that doesn't fit properly.

If you've got your heart set on a Giant, fair enough - but it's worth considering other options. Again, you might find a better fit/look/spec/etc. once you've spent more time looking and (importantly) trying.

cornerblock

When your LBS is as poor as yours appears to be, it's time to try a not so local bike shop. As it's your first road bike the fit needs to be correct, for you to get real enjoyment from your riding. Hovering your feet over where the pedal should be!! Think you should name and shame the lazy git for not even bothering to put some pedals on. Did they want to sell a bike or what?

guy.spartacus

It was Senacre cycles, Maidstone, Kent.

I work near there and live in Ashford.

Budget is really what is holding me back, looking for a 2010 model for up to £450.00

Hence I was looking at the Giants. Defy 4 for £370 or a 3.5 for £420

cornerblock

guy.spartacus wrote:

It was Senacre cycles, Maidstone, Kent.

I work near there and live in Ashford.

Budget is really what is holding me back, looking for a 2010 model for up to £450.00

Hence I was looking at the Giants. Defy 4 for £370 or a 3.5 for £420[/quote

I don't know the area that well but there should be someone on here who could recommend a decent bike shop near enough to either Ashford or Maidstone. Giant are not the only brand that will fit your budget, so keep your options open. Having said that I do know that Edwardes in Camberwell, south east London, so not that far, stock Giant and are very good about letting you take the bike for a test ride. Providing you don't turn up with bolt croppers in your back pocket and your hood up! Good luck, hope you find the bike for you.

danowat

guy.spartacus wrote:

all well and good saying 'find a new lbs' - but it is the only local Giant stockist!

he was whinging about it too,

'if you have me running around then go and buy it online I'll take your address and come find you'

nice

[/quote]

Customer service not their strong point then!, I wouldn't spend a penny in a place like that, no matter how local it was.

millymoose

My LBS (Ross Cycles in Caterham) has recently opened a Giant franchise in Bromley - not 'that' far from Maidstone and I would recommend him fully

ShutUpLegs

danowat wrote:

guy.spartacus wrote:

all well and good saying 'find a new lbs' - but it is the only local Giant stockist!

he was whinging about it too,

'if you have me running around then go and buy it online I'll take your address and come find you'

nice

Customer service not their strong point then!, I wouldn't spend a penny in a place like that, no matter how local it was.[/quote]

Sounds like normal service for a lbs

guy.spartacus

thanks all

it was really just to try one for size to see what size I needed, though he didn't know that - and said their 2010 Defy 4's were £550 - £180 more than I was hoping to pay

cornerblock

guy.spartacus wrote:

thanks all

it was really just to try one for size to see what size I needed, though he didn't know that - and said their 2010 Defy 4's were £550 - £180 more than I was hoping to pay

Ah, but we all end up paying more than we hoped. Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling.

guy.spartacus

Not for the exact same bike, last years model too, Shirley?

I've just remembered another shop in Tenterden that has Giant stock....will try him tomorrow

cornerblock

Last years model you say, and don't call me Shirley. :x

durianrider

Ask around for the best bike fitter in the country and go see them. Doesnt matter how light, cheap or wanky our bike is if it doesnt FIT RIGHT.

glenwatt

Another shop worth a try if you can travel a little bit is Bexley Bikes in Bexleyheath.

They stock Giant and are quite keen on the defy range.

Last few times I've been in they do generally have a few on display and are more than welcome for you to sit on them for sizing.