[Mike1jw]

After a LOT of painstaking research and helpful replies from many in this forum, I am now the proud owner of a new road bike. I have to say that buying a bike is not an easy thing to do, especially if you don’t know what to look for. My biggest problem was deciding whether to buy in a local bike shop or the internet. I got a lot of good replies in this forum from both sides of the aisle. But with all said and done, I have to say that I’m glad I decided to go with a LBS. I was very close to buy online but I know now that if I did I would have bought the wrong size frame. I’m not knocking the internet. I might buy my next bike online. But I was glad to have the chance not only to st on the bike, but to go on a long test ride with the person who fit me. The shop changed the bars, the neck, and the seat to suit my comfort, all at no additional cost. I bought a 2009 Giant Defy Advanced 2. The bike lists on line for $2900, I got it for $2250. It’s got all Ultegra ( not 6700 but still way mor than I need for my first road bike). I know I could have gotten a lot more bike online, but I’m very happy I went to a shop to begin with.

Thanks to everyone for their input.
Mike

[Skidmark]

CONGRATS on your new Bike!! Looks great and sounds like you made a well infomed decision and got a bike that fits. Enjoy!

[TxCyclist]

Congrats! Look forward to some ride photos.

[Smiley]

Oh very nice! You can't beat the LBS for the extra care that goes into your bike fitting!

[RoyEveritt]

It looks like a lovely machine, Mike, and great service from your LBC.

[Burr]

Mike, I'm happy you're happy.

Enjoy your new bike, take pictures of all the falls and mishaps and we'll laugh with you.

Oh, maybe you are not going to make all the mistakes we made!!!

Enjoy, good looking bike

[mtndoc]

I agree, the LBSis the way to do, might cost a little more, but the help and after the sale addons are a plus. My LBS gives me a 10% discount on anything I buy there, not much, but puts the costs almost a wash with shipping and everything. CONGRATS on the bike, I'm sure you will have a lot of good times on it.

DrB

[hophead]

Glad to hear that your LBS took such great care of you. I think that it's really pays to establish a good relationship with your LBS and it's especially important for a first bike purchase. Happy riding!

[Mike1jw]

Originally Posted by Burr

Mike, I'm happy you're happy.

Enjoy your new bike, take pictures of all the falls and mishaps and we'll laugh with you.

Oh, maybe you are not going to make all the mistakes we made!!!

Enjoy, good looking bike

I almost bought the farm yesterday. I'm still getting used to the steering on this road bike. It feels a lot lighter then the mountain bike (w/road tires) that I was riding. My front tire went off the pavement, about a 2" drop to the grass/dirt. The tire left the pavement just as I was trying to steer back onto the road, so I couldn't just continue on the grass to slow down and gain control. I was doing about 20 mph. The front tire road the edge of the blacktop for about at least a foot and then somehow grabbed and shot me back up onto the pavement. With my shoes clipped to the peddles, (1 mo. experiance with clipless) and fighting to gain control, I thought for sure this was going to be my first wipeout, never mind the possibility of getting hit by a car. It all happened so fast. I was in the middle of the lane of traffic before I knew it! It was a good thing there were no cars coming! I don't know if having my shoes cliped to the peddles had anything to do with helping me regain my balance. I also ride motocycles, and know that it's usually best to keep your feet on the floor boards to keep the bike balanced and in control. Freinds and family always tell me I'm crazy to ride a Harley, but I gotta say, I think in a lot of ways, it's more dangerous to ride a road bicycle. I'm not sure, and I dont know how, but I've lived to ride another day.

[jeepster93]

i haven't dumped my new bike yet....
Yet...