Thanks for the input so far. Today, I went down to three different bike shops to look around. The
first one stocked Cannondale and Specialized. The second had Jamis, Trek, and Raleigh. The last had
Gary Fisher and some other brand that I didn't pay much attention to.
At the first store, I was recommended a $750.00 Cannondale. I do not remember its model number,
unfortunately. It did have Cannondale's special front shock, though. I'm not sure what the
componentry was (I didn't learn much about that until the last store).
At the second store, I was recommended a Jamis (it was a "Jamis something-that-started-with-a-'D'"😉.
I was also recommended a Trek 4900 and 6700. They said the 6700 would be better if I'm pretty
serious about mountain biking, which I think I am -- apparently there are quite a few trails nearby.
I didn't get to ride any bikes at the first two stores. The first one said it didn't have the right
size for me in stock--they are supposed to get it within a week or two. The second store was about
to close for the day when I was there, so they didn't offer to let me try one out. However, at the
third store I did get to try some bikes out.
At the third store, I was recommended three different Gary Fisher bikes. The first was the Marlin
model for $470.00. The second was, I think, the Hoo Koo E Koo for $800.00. The last was the
Tassajara with disc brakes for $800.00.
I liked the Marlin quite a lot. It had a cushioned seat, which I liked, but it was suggested that I
try to get used to a firmer seat for better support. I wasn't crazy about the Hoo Koo E Koo, but
once I brought it back, it was determined that the tires were probably under-inflated, so I really
need to go back to try it again with proper tire pressure. The last bike, the Tassajara with disc
brakes was my favorite of the bunch.
That being said, I have a few questions and requests:
-- I'd love to hear any potentially helpful input about my experience today.
-- When I was test riding bikes, the only 'fitting' that was done was to have me stand over the bike
and pull it up against my crotch to make sure that the wheels were sufficiently off the floor. Is
this acceptable? People have said things about how important it is that a shop 'fit' the buyer to
his bike. Should I expect more? Should I expect more when I finally agree to purchase one?
-- Are Fisher bikes good bikes? How do they stack up against some of the others?
-- One person at a shop told me that Cannondale has recently filed for bankruptcy. Is this true? How
should this impact my buying decision?
-- Between the Tassajara with disc brakes and the Hoo Koo E Koo (assuming the tire pressure fixes my
problem with it), I am really torn. The Hoo Koo E Koo has a better frame, it looks like, and it has
'better' pedals and a better rear derailleur, but it does not have disc brakes. I was told that teh
Tassajara would cost over $1000.00 if I chose to add the Hayes disc brakes later as an upgrade,
where as they came with it fo r$800.00. How much would it cost to put disc brakes on the Hoo Koo E
Koo? Assuming I like the ride just as well, ultimately, should I get the Tassajara with disc brakes
for $800.00 or the Hoo Koo E Koo with non-disc brakes for $800.00?
-- Are disc brakes definitely an improvement, or might I never want them at all?
-- Overall, what should I look for in a shop to know that I am dealing with a competent shop that
knows how to fit me, etc.? Should I be discouraged that the first shop seemed reluctant to have me
ride a bike? I had to ask to ride the one that they said they did not have in my size. They didn't
offer to have me ride any other one.
-- I forgot to mention above that, not only did the last store have me test ride bikes, but they
also encouraged me to stay after hours if I had more questions. The salesperson insisted that I not
feel rushed to leave, even if I ultimately did not wish to buy anything today. I've heard it said
here that a good shop is worth spending more on their bikes. Is this a sign of a good shop? It is
worth noting, however, that this place was the only place that did any kind of 'fitting', but they
are also the one that simply had me straddle the bike and lift it to my crotch.
Thank you all very much for your help so far. I don't know anything about bikes, and it is extremely
nice to know that there are unbiased folk here to give me a helping hand...=)
MoP
P.S. - I'm thinking I'd like to make a purchase as soon as possible. Is it okay to buy bikes without
a great deal of 'test driving'? I know with cars they say you should *never* just go out and
buy one--that it is *always* best to take things very slowly, test drive a lot, and only
purchase when you know you're getting a good deal on a car you definitely like. Is this the
same or different with bike purchases?