I’ve decided to try and pick up a Bianchi Impulso recently, and found one on closeout in a bike shop about an hours’ drive away. The problem is, I really like the paint scheme, and haven’t been too keen about the colors of newer 2014 models. I say “problem,†because I realize that this isn’t a good purchasing strategy; to become fixated on a particular bike, versus staying open to alternatives.
The 59cm bike is a 2013 closeout (marked down $300), and I test rode it last weekend…even thought the compact gearing was a bit different for me, it felt pretty good overall. I’m exactly 72.5†tall, and have been trying to decide if this is the right size. According to literature I’ve found online (Evans Cycles in the UK), a 59cm is good for those cyclists 72 to 75 inches tall. My inseam is 32â€, and I’m a fairly flexible 46 year old, at 180 lbs.
The store claims they don’t “take measurements†to fit riders, instead using an “old-school†try-it-and-see method. The crankset on the bike is a 172.5mm, and (upon the advice of a certified fitter that I know) I asked about getting a 175mm, which would mean an additional $25 to get them on the bike. I’d imagine they should have been on a bike this size to begin with, but no big deal. They said they’d order a set, so they are enroute to the store now.
The store asked for a $200 downpayment, and then told me that the return window is only 48 hours. I had been planning to take the bike to the same certified fitter that I trust (since they don’t “do measurements†at this particular bike store), and am now beginning to think this may be a deal that I just walk away from completely. I’m concerned about the size being right and want to have the flexibility to return the bike if it isn’t. 48 hours seems rather tight for a shop that won't even offer a proper fitting for a road bike.
Instead of giving a downpayment, I told the guy to just give me a call when the 175mm cranks came in, and we’d talk about it then.
Thoughts and advice are most welcome.
The 59cm bike is a 2013 closeout (marked down $300), and I test rode it last weekend…even thought the compact gearing was a bit different for me, it felt pretty good overall. I’m exactly 72.5†tall, and have been trying to decide if this is the right size. According to literature I’ve found online (Evans Cycles in the UK), a 59cm is good for those cyclists 72 to 75 inches tall. My inseam is 32â€, and I’m a fairly flexible 46 year old, at 180 lbs.
The store claims they don’t “take measurements†to fit riders, instead using an “old-school†try-it-and-see method. The crankset on the bike is a 172.5mm, and (upon the advice of a certified fitter that I know) I asked about getting a 175mm, which would mean an additional $25 to get them on the bike. I’d imagine they should have been on a bike this size to begin with, but no big deal. They said they’d order a set, so they are enroute to the store now.
The store asked for a $200 downpayment, and then told me that the return window is only 48 hours. I had been planning to take the bike to the same certified fitter that I trust (since they don’t “do measurements†at this particular bike store), and am now beginning to think this may be a deal that I just walk away from completely. I’m concerned about the size being right and want to have the flexibility to return the bike if it isn’t. 48 hours seems rather tight for a shop that won't even offer a proper fitting for a road bike.
Instead of giving a downpayment, I told the guy to just give me a call when the 175mm cranks came in, and we’d talk about it then.
Thoughts and advice are most welcome.