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+1...but then, I own a bike shop so I'm biased just a bit.But truly, a *good* shop will know the right questions to ask to point you in the right direction, will properly fit you to the bike so you're comfortable and efficient, will make sure you have the stuff you need to ride the way you want to ride, and will be there after the sale to keep you on the road for years to come.Here's a tip: if you're in a bike shop looking for a bike, and they don't ask you at least 3 or 4 questions about your goals, experience, etc before showing you a bike (and "how much do you want to spend" doesn't count!), walk away and find another shop.Ask, too, about whether they do bike fittings, and if they do, about *how* they fit you. If all they do is take some body measurements and plug those into a calculator, walk away. Every person is different in their fitness level, their range of motion, their flexibility and their goals: ALL of those affect how you fit to a bicycle.
I am getting great support from one of my local bike shops (including the great 5 day demo of the Parlee Z5 and a fitting). However, I might have to bring my business elsewhere if I can't find a bike from the lines he carries.I am also still thinking about the used route as it gets you so much more for the money.I'd probably only buy used ( especially carbon) if I knew and trusted the person doing the selling and the bike in question. There's no way of truly knowing the bike's past history buying off Craig's List or the internet. The bike could have seen a little trauma without showing it. If the seller isn't completely honest and you later find you're dissatisfied with the bike.....good luck. So much for the money saved at that point
George, what brands does your local shop carry? After doing some evaluations, I'd recommend Ultegra Di2 on whatever frame you wind up buying. It is reasonably priced and awesome. I'm officially sold on electronic shifting. My next bike will have it!CheersJack
George, You have a lot of good brands on th list. I would test the new Giant TCR, Trek Madone (the new aero model with integrated brakes/fork), and the Roubaix S-Works, Tarmac, and Trek Domane. There are lots of good choices in your range and you should be able to find one that works for you. I'm going to try the new Trek Madone and Domane, along with a couple others. Trek has a great warranty, lifetime on frame to original owner. This is something to think about because used frames have no warranty. Other manufacturers have lifetime as well but some only have a 3 year. Just something to think about.
Jackman,That's a lot of bikes to test! Given that I can only test 1 or maybe 2 a week, it will take a while. George
Which Domane model?What year...2012 or 2013?George
Hi George,I'm afraid the perfect bike for you doesn't exist. Was the Roubaix an S-Works? I tested that bike and agree with you regarding the comfort but disagree regarding handling. I was surprised at how well the comfortable Roubaux (S-Works) habdled snd how well it transferred power. Fabian Cancellara played a big role in the design of the Domane and he chose it over the new Madone in the Tdf even though the new Madone is supposed to be relatively comfortable. It is an interesting design that combines. I fort and performance, better than previous bikes. What are your intentions? Do you plan to ride centuries, race, tour or join a group? If you are not planning to race competitively, you might want to focus on comfort and fit. A race bike that handles well and feels good on a 45 minute test drive in a parking lot might be torture on a century ride.
