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

[Tootyred]

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.....

 

[bikeworkshop]

We get people in every day who've bought a nice bike remotely, but it's just not working for them.

You really need to try it, and get good advice.

If it means a long journey to a city with real bike shops, it will be worth it in the end.
Have a weekend away there, do some interesting things at the same time.

You deffo need to test ride a few, get a feel for what you're getting.

Some of our customers try half a dozen different setups, qualities and styles, and are surprised by their preferences.

 

[greencat]

Agreed. I've bought bikes remotely, and often its worked out. I'm lucky in that I'm very average when it comes to bikes - providing the sizing is roughly right, I can usually adapt. I don't have any special needs. But nothing beats trying a bike out (secondhand or otherwise) by sitting on it and going for a test ride.

I suspect that's particularly true if you are less able to change to conform to the bike. It is surprisingly common in my group of riders for people to buy similar bikes to others after trying someone else's out. Modern bike wise, I now stick to Whyte hardtails. I just like how they ride pretty much out of the box.

 

[bikeworkshop]

If you know what you're after or replacing something, or want a specific sport bike like enduro or road racing, then you can basically just go ahead and order.

But if you want a bike you love and ride however and wherever you want, you'll want a feel for it first.

I'm currently buying loads of almost unused Evans Cycle-to- work bikes where novice riders have been poorly advised, if at all, and tell me they "don't like cycling"

 

[Tootyred]

Ok. Interesting. Tbh, by the time ive paid for all those hotels, meals and fuel, i might as well get a frame built!

Which was option 2!

 

[Tootyred]

The other advantage being i can use all my good quality old parts on it, rather than pay to upgrade the rather lack lustre assembly that comes on most new bikes.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Trouble with getting a frame built is is hard to design it right without riding it afterwards!

I sold our framebuilding jig when it became easy to buy almost any perfect frame factory built for 1/3 the cost - and avoid a filthy toxic job.

I'm not into gimmicks and fancy paint a la bespoked

 

[Tootyred]

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

 

[Woz]

Daft question, if you have the geometry chart is that enough? Something to compare with what you own?

The chances of the stem length, rise and handle bar width being right though is fairly remote IMHO. Not to mention the generic saddle. As for parts they really don't make that much difference. Tyres and tubes will be "alright" at best.

Personally I would prefer to try several second hand frames rather than (plunge) in with a new one.

 

[Woz]

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

Only Ebikes now Our not so local LBS stock one or two road bikes, a couple of MTBs, but 80% is electric.