How does one choose a new steed in these modern times?

[doctor-bond]

Go for a nice frameset and put your own choice of stuff on it (you might even be able to avoid discs). As an experienced tinkerer you know what the correct touch points are on a bike to make you comfortable, so can prolly figure out the frame shape/geometery, stem bar saddle combo that hits the sweet spot.

Lots of interesting stuff out there, eg

Hipster frames

 

[highlandsflyer]

Do shops still let you ride bikes? Does display models still exist?

How far are you from bike shops?

 

[bikeworkshop]

We allow testrides, and can't understand why other shops don't.

Interestingly ebikes barely need to fit at all because efficiency doesn't matter, so no test ride needed there

 

[retroJIM]

Cotic do demo days, a Cascade or Escapade is probably comparable to the Vagabond.

https://www.cotic.co.uk/demo/
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/cascade
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/escapadeUK853
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/escapade

 

[highlandsflyer]

Cotic do demo days, a Cascade or Escapade is probably comparable to the Vagabond.

https://www.cotic.co.uk/demo/
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/cascade
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/escapadeUK853
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/escapade

Good call.

 

[Gtpulse]

Right or wrong I just used the height chart for the bike I wanted. I ended up really comfortable which may just be luck. If you’re taller it’s probably easier as it’s going to be the largest frame and accept you may need to change the stem. I knew I’d need an XL so not lots of variables or an in between possibility like needing an M or L. I bought from Tredz as they had free returns so I figured if it really didn’t suit me when I sat on it I could send it back. I found my local bike shop not that helpful, they only had a couple of main brands outside of which it was like all other bikes didn’t exist!

 

[Takingabreak]

Sounds like a silly question, but its asked in all honesty!

Im considering a new bike (yes, i know..shock...horror)

Im thinking something like a a kona sutra, genesis vagabond, salsa fargo. Its for a flat bar (never got drops). So 700c, steel, discs (not really needed but no option), 42mm min tyres ( but no more than 2.1 needed), sloping top tube, huge stack.

Probably is the last time i bought a new bike was 1989....when we had shops. (Ok, i bought a hybrid in 2007, but i bought the tallest bike they had in the shop and wasn't that bothered about what it was).

Now, every "dealer" I've contacted doesn't have any stock. In fact the 2 closest kona dealers (as listed on their website), don't have one...one hasn't even got a kona in any form on site!

Problem is im after something to help with my iffy back, so i want to at least sit on an xl version. If not ride it!

So how is this done now.....

What is it that those rather nice Marins you have with the pimped "GavStems" aren't doing well that you think a new bike might do better?

 

[Tootyred]

Thanks everyone, some interesting thoughts. Im so out of touch with modern biking, its almost a joke now! Until a few years back ( to help a mate...not that i was much) I don't think I had set foot in a main stream bike shop for 15 years.

So now starting to search on the web for stuff, im pretty lost! Bring back the days of scanning mbuk cover to cover!

Ive got a trek and specialized shop in norwich some many miles away, but they don't do much I've seen of interest. Theres a couple of smaller shops, but they stock nothing..ebikes...and certainly not in xl!

A mate bought a sirrus x 3 years ago....it was pretty poor for the £850 he paid for it....however, it ticks boxes style wise. More upright, flat bar geometry, takes big enough tyres etc. Ive ridden it, its ok, but leaves me pretty cold and im not sure about its longevity.

Im not bashing stuff off road hard anymore and when the fancy takes me to go onto the track in the forest, i have a 2013 scott scale xt.

I find i ride my hybrid a lot, but im aware that the frame / fork was really really not made for farm tracks, bridal ways and forest trails.....I feel im pushing my luck on it all the time.

I love my 26" kit, but my riding is far less demanding as I said and lugging 26" tyres around on a small frame is not so great on the roads.

Again its horses for courses....

 

[Tootyred]

What is it that those rather nice Marins you have with the pimped "GavStems" aren't doing well that you think a new bike might do better?

No, but its more about road riding. I love the 26" kit, and i wouldn't part with them, but they are pretty single use..

This is what i ride most of the time....some retro rider me hey!

 

[d8mok]

On the flip side … I can’t remember the last time I purchased a bike from a shop in person. The last bike a bought a couple of months ago I did collect in person , but I’d already bought it. But all the others have all been online or by email exchange.

There is enough info out there now for sizing to make a judgement