The journey for my new ride continues... I have yet to find my new bike, not just any bike, my bike. They say that when you ride the right bike you will know... it reminds me of the cliche often used for marriage... when you meet "the one" you just know. So I guess I have yet "to know" but I am determined to find "the one", the bike that is. So, I designated today to be bike shopping day. I say "day" because based on my last few shopping experiences lasting a quick hour or two the one thing I definitely learned is it takes about an hour just to narrow down which bikes to test ride and then there is some fitting and riding involved. I had an aggressive plan to visit 4 bikes shops and try out the remaining brands on my list "Look", "Felt", "Scott", and "BMC". Quick update, I test rode an Orbea Orca Damas (the used to be Diva) last week... did I fall in love? No not quite, but I still think the Diva has potential and remains in the running. Back to today, 4 hours later I found myself having tried out 4 bikes and still at bike shop #1! WTF - there goes the plan, but on the flip side when you find a bike shop where the owners are willing to hear what you are looking for and are determined to work with you AND put up with your inquisitive personality- then you STAY at that bike shop. Lets run through the bikes of the day.
Cervelo S2The first bike I was handed to ride was the Cervelo S2 (bike snobs please wipe your drool)... 20 minutes later I came back and reported the bike was "okay" it was too twitchy and didn't respond to me (yes, im a control freak). To which the bike owner responded "Im surprised". Now, given that I am still a novice cyclist my initial instinct was to shut up, I mean what do I know about how good or not good a bike is... right?! WRONG! What I have learned a bike is extremely personal and varies for every body... what's right for one person may not be right for another.
Cervelo take 2 with Easton wheels vs. Mavick Askium
Everyone says that wheels make a difference. When I came back unimpressed by the Cervelo, the bike shop owner immediately noticed that I wasn't riding on good wheels. He convinced me to give the bike another shot with Easton wheels. I had heard about the wheel theory before and I wonder, if that is indeed true then why not just throw some really nice wheels on my bike and be on my merry way. Unfortunately its rare to find wheels that fit a 7speed bike. I took the bike out for another spin and the ride was complete 180 from before. Cycling Belief # 1: Wheels DO make a difference.
BMC Team Machine
I took this one out for a spin and it intrigued me. It seemed to respond before I even pedaled as if it could read my mind. The bike was so fast I had to work to keep up with it. It moved and grooved to my beat and I was definitely signing up to take this one on a second date. It was a colorful black, white and red and weighed next to nothing, my interest in it seemed to push me into the "weight weenie" category. I wasn't thrilled with the loudness in color but I could look beyond that. The more significant turn off was the $6,500 price tag. "Of course I would pick the one bike that would break my pockets." To which I was suggested the next bike...BMC Road Machine
The team machines little sister is slightly heavier but similarly responsive and comes with a more pleasant price tag. I took it out for a spin. Now, here's where my heightened sensitivity and level of intuition back fires on me. Not many would notice the subtle difference in responsiveness but to me i felt like the lil sister needed a kick in the arse after riding the Team Machine this bike was dragging. I reported back my experience and everyone concurred.
I rounded off my bike tasting with a Scott something or other just for kicks, the ride lasted for about 2 minutes I came back quickly with a thumbs down. Its not the bike for me.
The BMC Team Machine has taken the spotlight as my new potential bike, and the bike shop was willing to work with me on components to make it fit my budget. I love this bike shop! The fact that they tossed me a cold beer to quench my hunger after all of the trials was an added bonus and a start to a wonderful relationship.
Next up... the second date.
