In Reply To:
But no,
You're half right.
Going to a trustworthy fit guy is step one. Finding a group of brands that fit you is step two. Riding those bikes to see how the bike rides and how you like the controls/components is step 3. Fine tuning the components and wheels is step 4. Buying the bike that best fits the previous steps and your budget is the final step.
Merckx and DeRosa make a certain size frame that is off the shelf that gets close to fitting me. Put Shimano junk on it, - I'm not getting on it. Put the wrong wheels on it, - yes wheels are critical to the feel of the bike, - it makes a huge difference. Even with the "right" fit, the same components and the same wheels, a Merckx rides very different than a DeRosa... I rode both, didn't like the Merckx, bought the DeRosa.
There's no POS Trek that I'm ever going to be seen on. Any $400 Bianchi made in Italy and weighing 40lbs is better than any POS Shimano TREK even up to $10K, that everyone and their mother rides. Yeah, it's unreasonable vanity to want something more unique and exclusive, and I admit to being a snob. But it plays a role in determining what makes the "right" bike for you, - yes, not nearly as important as fit, - but it's important.
SHOPPING FOR A BIKE SHOP? Not necessarily a good idea, because the likelihood that a bike shop is going to have your top three fitted bikes is not very likely: but look who works in bike shops? Idiots who were fired from Starbucks for being late for work. They're going to try to force you onto a bike in THEIR shop, - no matter what your fit guy said. Count on them running your fit guy into the ground. Or worse, - they could try to sell you a bike that has Shimano garbage on it....
I tried this before, but it didn't post for some reason...
I have to take offense to some of your statements here. In fact, in the short time I have been frequenting this board I have seen many sweeping generalizations about bike shops that are very poor.
I am a long time professional mechanic at an LBS. I am not there because I am a coffee shop reject. I didn't show up to work late, hungover or stoned. I have a BA. I am a member of Mensa. I have had "important" and "real" jobs that may have demanded a little more social respect or put a few more dollars in my pocket. I have been offered jobs in fields you may never have even heard of before. I don't work there anymore or didn't take the offers because I love what I do now and I am damn good at it. All of my fellow employees have similar stories. Even our part-timer's consist of doctoral students and retired nucular technicians.
Perhaps your LBS isn't up to snuff. Maybe they hired the wrong people. Maybe you didn't give them the benefit of the doubt or the chance to learn. Maybe you should find a more professional shop. In any event, please don't insinuate that ALL shop employees are the same.
My shop is in Buffalo NY. Stop by if you're ever in town and I will more than happy to make you an espresso (with a Saeco machine) and discuss the finer aspects of cylcing or any other subject you choose. I'll even direct you to one of the best Tri fitters in the business, who has hundreds of loyal clients that include a top five in ITU World's, dozens Kona qualifiers and many local heros. All that and we won't even push Trek (even though we are the 2nd largest dealer in upstate NY) OR Shimano.
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DING DING!! Artmus speaks the truth!
100 miles a day is the only power meter you need.