Let me start by saying that as an aspiring multisport participant I am not looking for a recommendation on which bike to buy....but how to buy a bike. I have a mtb that I ride/race and also run events from 5K to marathon in length. My goal is to begin in some duathlon events, later progressing to tri-type events (swimming?).
I know that fit is of paramount importance and I have identified/visited a well respected shop as a start to the process. However, I have also been to some more generic LBS's where they have merely suggested that I "pick what you would like to test ride". Taking some up on the offer, I realize that I don't know what to look for when riding a road bike. So, test riding seems not the be the right way to determine proper a bike.
Do I merely buy the bike that the shop (good fitting shop) says is right? If so, I feel like a lamb in the wolf's den.....being lead through the process without any experience in road/tri bikes and not having any input into what's going on.
I did ask this question on a road bike forum and the comments ranged from "ride bikes until something sings to you" to "it doesn't matter, they're all the same". What's a little lamb to do?
I know that fit is of paramount importance and I have identified/visited a well respected shop as a start to the process. However, I have also been to some more generic LBS's where they have merely suggested that I "pick what you would like to test ride". Taking some up on the offer, I realize that I don't know what to look for when riding a road bike. So, test riding seems not the be the right way to determine proper a bike.
Do I merely buy the bike that the shop (good fitting shop) says is right? If so, I feel like a lamb in the wolf's den.....being lead through the process without any experience in road/tri bikes and not having any input into what's going on.
I did ask this question on a road bike forum and the comments ranged from "ride bikes until something sings to you" to "it doesn't matter, they're all the same". What's a little lamb to do?