need advice

Samantha3 said:

Hi I could use some help. New to the site. My Cannondale T2000 touring bike was stolen last week (heart ache) and I need to make some decisions on how to replace my beloved bicycle. Insurance has offered a Trek 520 which seems like a bomber touring bike. But I am wondering if you have any recommendations for a faster road bike that could handle longer rides and an occasional long distance trip. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Your insurance won't just give you cash?

They will but they also have this "vender" who has relationships with various manufacturers and supposedly can get me the bike I want for less money. Since I am not really a gearhead, and I don't have a very good sense of what I want, and I really need a bike, I may go this route. I was thinking I could get a faster bike from them, and keep an eye out for a used touring bike down the road. I don't know where to start as far as a fast and light road bike but not too race like (want to be able to carry a few things on it). Any thoughts?

I'd go for the cash. It's likely the vendor thing is about saving the insurance company money, not you.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I'd go for the cash. It's likely the vendor thing is about saving the insurance company money, not you.

+1. I would rather follow the coconut galleries advice on this forum about this or that bike than an insurance co. Our biz is riding and commenting on bikes, their biz is insurance and saving $$.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Samantha3 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

..... they also have this "vender" who has relationships with various manufacturers and supposedly can get me the bike I want for less money. Since I am not really a gearhead, and I don't have a very good sense of what I want, and I really need a bike, I may go this route. I was thinking I could get a faster bike from them, and keep an eye out for a used touring bike down the road. I don't know where to start as far as a fast and light road bike but not too race like (want to be able to carry a few things on it). Any thoughts?

I myself... don't have any trust issues with my Insurance provider. In fact... I've found them to be very customer service minded, trustworthy, and extremely helpful.

I'd talk with my agent... or the service provider that made the Trek offer... and tell him/her exactly what you posted here. Be sure he/she understands you must see, touch, and test ride any bicycle replacement first.

I know some people see contractors or vendors (doctors, lawyers, butchers, bakers, candle-makers, bankers, .... and whatever) as the "other side". My own world view isn't me against "the machine". I see my relationship with my Insurance providers as more of a partnership. My feelings are: If you don't trust your Insurance Co. to help you now.... take the money, then fire them... and find a new provider you can/do trust. A bicycle is a minor problem compared to some of the hazards we could face.