General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them? Rss Feed  
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2014-11-17 2:54 PM

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Subject: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Just curious how anyone actually tried out their tri bike before buying it? Seems that here in upstate N.Y. , no one carries much of a selection of tri bikes and if they happen to have a representative model of a specific bike, it is always the wrong size. So do people just get a fitting and blindly spend multiple thousands of dollars on buying something site unseen and hope that they enjoy the way it feels once it comes into the shop?


2014-11-17 3:17 PM
in reply to: keqwow


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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Don't know about others but if a sales man tell me I can't try a bike then he just lost a sale. No way I would buy a thousand/few thousand dollars bike without trying it.

I do phone calls, ask if they have the model and ask if I can try it. Then I drive. If they don't allow to try it then I don't bother going there in the first place.

I would assume you need some knowledge and experience I don't have to build your bike on paper or buy it without trying it.
2014-11-17 3:32 PM
in reply to: keqwow

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by keqwow Just curious how anyone actually tried out their tri bike before buying it? Seems that here in upstate N.Y. , no one carries much of a selection of tri bikes and if they happen to have a representative model of a specific bike, it is always the wrong size. So do people just get a fitting and blindly spend multiple thousands of dollars on buying something site unseen and hope that they enjoy the way it feels once it comes into the shop?

I go to where the bikes are.  I have never purchased a bike locally...always at least 3+ hours from where I live...I basically have to travel to metroplexes to find bike shops with enough bikes to try.

I also end up going to 4-5 different shops to try all the bikes.

Bike shopping is hard work.

BTW, if you've ever had a bike fit you can probably narrow down your selection to a half-dozen or so bikes/sizes that will fit you based on stack and reach.  That really cuts down on the bike riding....

2014-11-17 4:10 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Originally posted by keqwow

Just curious how anyone actually tried out their tri bike before buying it? Seems that here in upstate N.Y. , no one carries much of a selection of tri bikes and if they happen to have a representative model of a specific bike, it is always the wrong size. So do people just get a fitting and blindly spend multiple thousands of dollars on buying something site unseen and hope that they enjoy the way it feels once it comes into the shop?


You read my mind, I was gonna post the same question, my problem is I live in small town and I'm short!!!. Does a bike store order your size and if does not fit , you don't have to purchase it?

I checked prizes and online stores are way cheaper, but , I'm leery about buying wrong size bike. I read an article about bike sizing and it says that the frame size is not the only thing to consider. The distance from the saddle to the handlebars needs consideration. The difference between the saddle height and the handlebar height is also important.



Edited by Phebes 2014-11-17 4:26 PM
2014-11-17 4:31 PM
in reply to: keqwow

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

I know that there's a valid argument that it's useless to test ride them, as fit is so important that unless you've been properly fitted (often a 2-3 hour process), there's no way to really tell. 

That said- I have TriSports in my town, and when i was in the market had the opportunity to test ride a few different models.  I was surprised (and pleased) at the differences if feel between models.  Now- how much of that 'feel' had to do with fit?- I don't know.  I've certainly heard the comment that you can make any bike feel 'smoother' by taking 10lbs out of the tires, for instance.

I think the best thing for you to do is have your local shop 'measure you up' and let you know what models work best for you.  Then choose between them based on price/style/features/aero-data/brand- whatever it is that motivates you.  Buy the bike you fall in love with, have a good fitting done, and enjoy the hell out of it.  In the end, there is no crap on the market these days.  All of the bikes from all of the major brands are competitively priced and perform similarly.  The one you fall in love with, is the one you'll ride the most.  The one you ride the most- is the one that will be the fastest.  

2014-11-17 4:35 PM
in reply to: Phebes

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by Phebes
... I checked prizes and online stores are way cheaper, ....

if the price seems too good to be true- then the 'online store' is probably a scam artist from Indonesia.  These on-line scams are constantly changing web names, writing positive reviews of themselves, providing what appears to be a US Based address, etc.  Be careful.  



2014-11-17 4:52 PM
in reply to: Phebes

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Originally posted by Phebes
I read an article about bike sizing and it says that the frame size is not the only thing to consider. The distance from the saddle to the handlebars needs consideration. The difference between the saddle height and the handlebar height is also important.


If you go for a Retul fit for example, they fit you on an adjustable bike and they give you a report like this picture
With this, a bike seller can recommend which bikes can be set up to match the fit.

In theory, they could ship you a bike already setup ready to ride





(Screenshot 2014-11-17 17.50.35.png)



Attachments
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Screenshot 2014-11-17 17.50.35.png (157KB - 7 downloads)
2014-11-17 6:25 PM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Good pictures! Do know that there are other names that may show up too. The fit bike or "adjustable" bike doesn't really look like a bike, but does have a few familiar points on it. Also know that the bike you get will be adjustable as well. The saddle can move back & forth, up & down, and tilt. The bars can have the stem swapped out for different lengths and angles. The more expensive integrated bikes can come with multiple parts for their equivalent of a stem. The pads can often move around by having multiple bolt holes and riser adapters. This doesn't mean they can fix anything after the fact, but do know there is a little window of room in adjustment after picking the frame size. Both of you (Phebes & keqwow) sound fairly new to this, so your position may evolve some as you adapt to it. Talk all this over with any shop your looking at. If the fit is really good, they won't have to do much more than tweak the saddle position some once the bike is in, like just a few millimeters as they can be rather touchy to very small changes. Possible change the exact bolt holes for the pads. They shouldn't just assemble the ordered bike and send you right out the door. They should double check the fit when you come in to pick up the bike, making minor tweaks like this.

2014-11-17 6:33 PM
in reply to: morey000

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by morey000

That said- I have TriSports in my town, and when i was in the market had the opportunity to test ride a few different models.  I was surprised (and pleased) at the differences if feel between models.  Now- how much of that 'feel' had to do with fit?- I don't know.  I've certainly heard the comment that you can make any bike feel 'smoother' by taking 10lbs out of the tires, for instance.

For an anecdote, I've rotated my position fairly significantly on the same bike once and it made a rather notable difference in how it felt. Had to relearn all the peculiarities in how it handled, so yeah, the fit is a rather important part in how things feel. For another, swapping to better elbow pads has made a remarkable difference in how well my upper body can hold in aero.

2014-11-17 7:03 PM
in reply to: brigby1

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

yes, the report I showed was a subset of the entire report.





2014-11-18 4:55 AM
in reply to: keqwow

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by keqwow Just curious how anyone actually tried out their tri bike before buying it? Seems that here in upstate N.Y. , no one carries much of a selection of tri bikes and if they happen to have a representative model of a specific bike, it is always the wrong size. So do people just get a fitting and blindly spend multiple thousands of dollars on buying something site unseen and hope that they enjoy the way it feels once it comes into the shop?

Have you been to the Geneva Bike Center?  You aren't too far from there.  Great shop with a great selection of bikes in stock usually.  Jim the owner and Chad, one of his staff, both do a great job with the fittings. 

The only reason these guys wouldn't have a large selection of Trek and Cerevelo tri bikes in stock would be if the new model year bikes weren't available and they had sold down the old stock. 



2014-11-18 5:26 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Originally posted by marcag


yes, the report I showed was a subset of the entire report.








Since I live in a small town, I need to drive further about 200 miles to see more selections of bike. The shop charges $150 for bike fitting:

TREK PRECISION BIKE FITTING PACKAGES
Road Fit $150

Road Fit will determine your ideal:

Shoes sizing & cleat placement
Saddle selection
Saddle height
Saddle fore/aft position
Stem length & position
Handlebar width & position
Photo/laser analysis

Did you pay for your bike fitting? Triathlon Fit is $200

Edited by Phebes 2014-11-18 5:27 AM
2014-11-18 6:40 AM
in reply to: Phebes

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Originally posted by Phebes

Originally posted by marcag


yes, the report I showed was a subset of the entire report.








Since I live in a small town, I need to drive further about 200 miles to see more selections of bike. The shop charges $150 for bike fitting:

TREK PRECISION BIKE FITTING PACKAGES
Road Fit $150

Road Fit will determine your ideal:

Shoes sizing & cleat placement
Saddle selection
Saddle height
Saddle fore/aft position
Stem length & position
Handlebar width & position
Photo/laser analysis

Did you pay for your bike fitting? Triathlon Fit is $200


I have been fit 7 times. I paid for 3 of them, the rest were included with bike purchases.

ST has a write up on the Trek fitting http://www.slowtwitch.com/Bike_Fit/Trek_Fit_System_3867.html

Now, I am going to get blasted for this one, and it's very much a personal opinion, but I think people way over do the "you can't pick a bike brand until you have been fit". IMO, and again it's a personal opinion, the chances of a Trek dealer for example not being able to fit you properly to a bike are very small.


2014-11-18 7:23 AM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by marcagNow, I am going to get blasted for this one, and it's very much a personal opinion, but I think people way over do the "you can't pick a bike brand until you have been fit". IMO, and again it's a personal opinion, the chances of a Trek dealer for example not being able to fit you properly to a bike are very small.

I actually agree with you on that one.  I would not have agreed with that five years ago though.  All the big bike manufacturers moved to a more middle of the road fit for their bikes lines over the past few years.  Years ago if you fit well on a Cervelo or Felt, odds are you weren't going to fit on a Trek or Cannondale.

Nowadays the frame specs and geometry or so similar that it just takes getting the right bar and stem combo to make the bike fit.  The Trek Speed Concept has six different stem combinations to choose from on five different sized frames.  You'd have to be an outlier not to fit on one of their bikes.

2014-11-18 7:38 AM
in reply to: GMAN 19030

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by GMAN 19030

Originally posted by marcagNow, I am going to get blasted for this one, and it's very much a personal opinion, but I think people way over do the "you can't pick a bike brand until you have been fit". IMO, and again it's a personal opinion, the chances of a Trek dealer for example not being able to fit you properly to a bike are very small.

I actually agree with you on that one.  I would not have agreed with that five years ago though.  All the big bike manufacturers moved to a more middle of the road fit for their bikes lines over the past few years.  Years ago if you fit well on a Cervelo or Felt, odds are you weren't going to fit on a Trek or Cannondale.

Nowadays the frame specs and geometry or so similar that it just takes getting the right bar and stem combo to make the bike fit.  The Trek Speed Concept has six different stem combinations to choose from on five different sized frames.  You'd have to be an outlier not to fit on one of their bikes.

Agree with that too. Many of the brands are fitting more similar to each other as they cater to the general population. Kind of a frustration for me as I am one of the outliers. Did end up with an SC9, but using the steer stub instead of the integrated stems at about as low as a stem can go.

Do note that no one in this quote section said this means to skip the fit session entirely! That still matters quite a bit. There are just more options for the majority of people on where they can go for it.

2014-11-18 7:58 AM
in reply to: brigby1

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by brigby1

Originally posted by GMAN 19030

Originally posted by marcagNow, I am going to get blasted for this one, and it's very much a personal opinion, but I think people way over do the "you can't pick a bike brand until you have been fit". IMO, and again it's a personal opinion, the chances of a Trek dealer for example not being able to fit you properly to a bike are very small.

I actually agree with you on that one.  I would not have agreed with that five years ago though.  All the big bike manufacturers moved to a more middle of the road fit for their bikes lines over the past few years.  Years ago if you fit well on a Cervelo or Felt, odds are you weren't going to fit on a Trek or Cannondale.

Nowadays the frame specs and geometry or so similar that it just takes getting the right bar and stem combo to make the bike fit.  The Trek Speed Concept has six different stem combinations to choose from on five different sized frames.  You'd have to be an outlier not to fit on one of their bikes.

Agree with that too. Many of the brands are fitting more similar to each other as they cater to the general population. Kind of a frustration for me as I am one of the outliers. Did end up with an SC9, but using the steer stub instead of the integrated stems at about as low as a stem can go.

Do note that no one in this quote section said this means to skip the fit session entirely! That still matters quite a bit. There are just more options for the majority of people on where they can go for it.

Ben, are you an outlier out of need or want?  As in one of the integrated stem options fit you fine but you just wanted to get lower.



2014-11-18 9:18 AM
in reply to: GMAN 19030

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Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?

Originally posted by GMAN 19030

Originally posted by brigby1

Originally posted by GMAN 19030

Originally posted by marcagNow, I am going to get blasted for this one, and it's very much a personal opinion, but I think people way over do the "you can't pick a bike brand until you have been fit". IMO, and again it's a personal opinion, the chances of a Trek dealer for example not being able to fit you properly to a bike are very small.

I actually agree with you on that one.  I would not have agreed with that five years ago though.  All the big bike manufacturers moved to a more middle of the road fit for their bikes lines over the past few years.  Years ago if you fit well on a Cervelo or Felt, odds are you weren't going to fit on a Trek or Cannondale.

Nowadays the frame specs and geometry or so similar that it just takes getting the right bar and stem combo to make the bike fit.  The Trek Speed Concept has six different stem combinations to choose from on five different sized frames.  You'd have to be an outlier not to fit on one of their bikes.

Agree with that too. Many of the brands are fitting more similar to each other as they cater to the general population. Kind of a frustration for me as I am one of the outliers. Did end up with an SC9, but using the steer stub instead of the integrated stems at about as low as a stem can go.

Do note that no one in this quote section said this means to skip the fit session entirely! That still matters quite a bit. There are just more options for the majority of people on where they can go for it.

Ben, are you an outlier out of need or want?  As in one of the integrated stem options fit you fine but you just wanted to get lower.

Probably more on the "want" side. I'd be perfectly comfortable with the lower integrated options, but would also (likely) be leaving some speed on the table. Seem to have a long humerous or something.

2014-11-18 9:51 AM
in reply to: brigby1


3

Subject: RE: How do you try a tri bike when nobody stocks them?
Heard about this on a podcast: http://www.trisports.com/fly-n-fit.html

Sounds like an intriguing option.
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