Hopefully yall can help me. Being from MS we don’t have much to choose from as for going and riding several different brands of tri bikes and surely not in my size (I am small 5’4"). I have seen a few used bikes come up and some good deals on new ones also but and I am reluctant to drop 3K + on a bike that I have never ridden or seen. As a newbie I would like to go to a city that would have several different stores where there are some educated folks that could determine which size for which brand would be appropriate for me and let me ride a few. My closest options I believe would be Atlanta at 5.5 hours away or Houston at 6 hours away. My sisters live in Houston so I would have a place to stay but that’s no biggie if yall think Atlanta would be a better choice for finding a tri bike.
all3sports in Atl is a good place to look. I’ve bought quite a bit from them but never a bike. check their website to see what they offer. they are super helpful!
Competitive Cyclist has their storefront in Little Rock, Arkansas. Not to mention there is an Orbea factory and the major bike shop in town (chain wheel) is a dealer. Probably much closer than either of your other alternatives.
In Houston there is Bike Barn which has Specialized and Trek. Bicycle World and Fitness just down the street has Cervelo, Giant, and Felt. Bikesport has Cannondale and Trek now…no more Cervelo from what I saw last weekend. Tri on the Run has Kuota and Orbea. Sun and Ski Sports carries Scott and Look but only has an old Plasma Pro in stock right now I think.
I don’t know what models or sizes these retailers will have in stock, I just know that these are the brands they carry.
Got to competition sports in Gulfport. They carry Specialized and Cervelo and have lots in stock and the guy there is very knowledgable. I would do that before I would go to Houston or Atlanta. Plus the guy in there is an ST’er.
Just throwing this out there, rather than Houston, you might consider going to Austin. There are many great bike shops there and more fitters available. You might find more of what you are looking for there - especially if you are looking at Cervelo (its my understanding that Austin Tricyclist is one of the largest Cervelo dealers).
Before you head out, I suggest you CALL the shop to determine if in fact you can test ride the bike. For instance, it is All3’s policy to not allow test rides. This may or may not be the policy of other shops.
I know I will be flamed for saying this but how much are you really going to be able to tell about a bike from riding around in a parking lot? There isn’t much you can determine from a 5 minute ride. Personally, I would save myself the 6 hour drive, handle all my questions over the phone and make the purchase you want.
Houston has quite a few shops that will work with you. Many have already been quoted. Given your likely frame size, you should definitely consider getting a custom frame. That being said, I would recommend Phil Shama at Shama Cycles which specializes in Guru and Kirklee frames, among others. See www.shamacycles.blogspot.com for some of the work that he has done. I am almost certain that he has posted on his blog a Guru for someone at or smaller than 5’4". Bikesport, Bicycle World & Fitness, Tri on The Run, Sugar Cycles, Sun & Ski Sports (on Westhiemer) and Bike Barn (Kirby location) are also good options. I am biased towards Shama Cycles because that is were I got my Guru Merus and I know many other happy folks who have purchased their tt rigs there. Happy hunting!
Depending where you are in MS you could also go to ACME multisports outside of Nashville, TN. It shouldn’t be much further than ATL from where you are. They carry Cervelo, Felt, Kuota, and QR. They might have some 08 bikes on sale too.
I noticed a tri shop in Baton Rouge last time I was there (September). It’s on Essen Lane in between Perkins Rd. and I-12, right near the RR crossing. Can’t remember the name right off…
I have friends that live in Houston and swear by BikeBarn but there are several other good tri shops there recently opened (last 2-3 years) that may be options. I second the other reply earlier about Austin (my home). I would highly suggest Austin Tri cyclist if you are in the market for a Cervelo (top 2 dealers in the country for cervelo), but my “home bike shop” is Jack and Adams. Jack manages the store and their staff and team there are unbelievable, super nice, extremely good at their job, know the technologies, and support some of the best in the sport! I use J&A for everything i do in tri and you will not be disappointed with service from them for purchasing, selecting, fitting, etc.
why not go to the NO half ironman next weekend? surely there will be multiple shops or exhibitors, no?
That’s a good thought too. I may try to look into that. Kinda wondering how that race is going to turn out, I may do it next year.
I would like to get a bike to borrow while I’m going to be in Houston for my wifes business. Lots of meetings that I don’t need to go to so I really want to get in some bike miles. Any help with borrowing a 58cm. road bike while in Houston? I’ll be there July 15th - 18th.