How To Buy A Bike

Did you ever select a new pair of running shoes by going to a serious sports shop, put on a few shoes that don't fit, then jog around the parking lot? No, that would be ridiculous. Yet everyday, people select bicycles in this same misguided way. After all, a sales clerk will say, "It's always been done that way."

The truth is that even a pro will need at least 150 miles over varied terrain on a perfectly fit bike before he can evaluate its genuine quality. 500 miles is probably a more realistic number. Sure, many bikes are dogs right out of the blocks. But even these bikes sell thousands a year. That is because most riders, even pros, are not knowledgeable enough to pick a peach from a lemon in the misfit parking lot "farce".

Step one - if the "bicycle specialist" that you are "interviewing" suggests that you pick your new bike by sampling a few in the parking lot, move on!

OK, what should we do? The answer is, "Stop trying to select a bike and start trying to select your bicycle specialist." After all, it isn't your job to know all the details necessary to select and fit a truly high quality bike. Even the pros can't do that. They leave it to an expert, you should too. Of course, finding a genuine bike expert is not that easy. Your local bike shop probably has an "enthusiast". But as most of you have already learned, an enthusiast is not the same as an expert.

Step two - interview the "experts". Figure out who really knows their stuff, whose expertise has been tested and proven to a very high degree.

In interviewing an expert, what is important?

	*How well does the specialist ride?* That is of some importance, you surely don't want a novice. But just as in any sport, the best athlete is rarely the best coach. Look for extensive riding expertise, but don't put this criteria at the top of the list. Pro riders rarely follow their own advice, why should you?!
	How well can the specialist weld, braze, or file? Countless times, we've seen custom one-of-a-kind frames doing much more harm than good. It is obvious that just because a person can braze two tubes together that does not mean that he or she can design or fit a good frame.
	How many different top builders has the specialist worked with? Absolutely, a good fitting expert learns something from every great builder that he works with. Look for an expert that thoroughly knows and appreciates the work of the renowned top builders like De Rosa, Confente, Masi, Chris Chance, Merlin, Pogliaghi, Mondonico, Joe Murray, etc.
	How well does the specialist listen to your riding goals? Certainly, make sure the expert intends to select a frame or bike for your needs not his own agenda. Give extra points to the specialist that will help you clarify your actual needs rather than just taking your first explanations at face value.
	A large inventory of quality equipment? Not necessarily. We were very small at one time and still did top shelf work. But, a wide selection of high level frames and parts is a pretty good indication that the shop has the dedication to do the job right. Check to see that the majority of the inventory is current. A preponderance of older stuff probably means that the pocketbook was more full than the brain. You as a customer, may become a convenient place to dump old inventory regardless of your needs.
	Expertise of the mechanics? Don't overlook this important point. Quality parts require a darn good mechanic to perform near their potential. We are continually amazed at the amount of high dollar equipment out there that is working very poorly because it is incorrectly put together or wrongly adjusted. Most mechanics rarely work on the good stuff; your bike becomes their academy. Make sure your mechanic works on the good stuff all the time. That's his job, he needs to know it inside and out.
	Ask around? Good news and bad news both spread quickly. One good or bad reference rarely tells much of the story, but a pattern can probably be relied upon. If the shop is filled with happy, repeat customers you are more likely to be headed in a good direction. But, try to make sure those customers are knowledgeable. You may in with a bunch of well intentioned knuckleheads, sorry.
	Trust your instinct? Yes, you are the one who will have to make the final call. Forget the magazine hype and the fancy brochures. Do your homework by finding a genuine bicycle fitting specialist. Let your brain and your gut feelings lead you. With these guidelines in mind, you will have the best chance of selecting a bicycle or frame that will make you the best cyclist that you can be. That is the formula for more riding miles, more fitness, more fun!