Earlier this month I introduced you to "The Bea". I was so excited to finally have a road bike! I knew when I got her that I would need to do some fit adjustments to her. So, I took her on a few short rides to get a feel for what adjustments would be needed. And, I began to suspect that perhaps she is just too big for me.
Two weeks ago, I took her into my favorite LBS (Local Bike Shop) http://www.ckcycles.com
This is a store where they never pressure me to buy any thing. They are incredibly patient with my silly questions, and allow me to dream endlessly as I ogle their beautiful inventory. On more than one occasion, they have encouraged me to buy the least expensive option of whatever item I am looking at that day. Like the $40 panniere's instead of the $120 set.
But, I digress... SO, I brought the Bea in to the store on a Tuesday morning, and the guy behind the counter proceeded to try very hard not to laugh when I said I needed a few things adjusted so the bike will fit me better. He looked down at his shoes for a moment to compose himself, then very kindly said, "Umm. Sorry. It can't be done."
I must have looked like a child who just lost her puppy, because he took pity on me then. He explained that, yes, there are several things he could do to adjust the fit. Every thing I had been thinking could be done. But, ultimately, the bike is just too big for me. All of these changes would cost so much, that I'd end up spending almost as much as I would on a new entry level bike. Plus, I'd only be putting a band aide on a complex fracture. After three months of riding, I'd start to have chronic pain in my wrists, neck, back and/or knees. Then when I came back to the store for adjustments there would be nothing they could do. He suggested that I resell the bike on CL, and keep my eyes open for something that will be a better fit for me.
He didn't even try to sell me anything!
It's taken me a couple of weeks to accept this information. I haven't taken the news lightly. I really like this bike- I'd love it. if it fit me better. I tried to keep it in the family, by convincing Shayna and Kevin to take it for a spin. I've even refrained from calling her by her name, when discussing this with Kevin, because he thinks I'm weird for naming my bikes. But, they've both "yessed" me, and neither one has even taken her around the block. So, I'm afraid she has to go.
I posted her on CL tonight. I hope I can find a good home for her. I hope her new owner will give her a name. And I really hope I find the right bike soon. Because, I just want to go faster!
4 comments:
I'm sorry she is not as fast as you hoped she would be. I'm even sorrier that Kevin and Shay are yesing you. I really get aggravated when the men in my life yes me.
Yes dear.
I'm sorry about the bike, Hei. I bet you can sell her for what you bought her for though... ask even a little more; you may be surprised!
Maybe time to bite the bullet and buy that entry level bike at the LBS.
I'm with Paul. Sometimes you get what you pay for so it might be worth it to buy the one that will fit you and your needs....and I think it's cute that you name your bikes! My parents name their cattle...so I think it's just something people do when they are referring to an item that they love!
The Bea has found a new home. I sold her for $50 more than I paid, but I'm still sad to see her go.
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