Buying a New Bike: Three easy
steps in one!
Buying a bike is a simple, easy process different
from some other buying experiences. It will get you on the optimal
bike uniquely configured for your comfort, safety and performance.
Like all good things, there is a beginning, middle
and end:
1. Initial Fitting.
The single most important factor in comfort, safety and performance
is fit. Nothing is more important than getting the right fit.
This starts with your measurements. We’ve measured over
8,500 cyclists for road and triathlon bikes- more than anyone
in the Midwest.
Our first step is measuring you. The measurements
will tell us precisely what your dimensions and proportions
are. This is information that, combined with your input, will
be used to configure your new bike especially for you.
Especially if you are a new cyclist who has never
ridden a road or triathlon bike before, this is the most important
step- the one we always begin with.
Once we have your measurements we’ll ask
you some questions. What do you hope to achieve by being fitted?
Do you own a bike now? How will your new bike be used? What
are your strengths? Weaknesses? What things are you concerned
about? These and other questions will assist us in gaining the
clearest picture of what bike you should be on and how it should
be configured and adjusted for you.
An initial fitting is best done by appointment.
Phone us at (313) 278-1350 to schedule a fitting. There is no
charge for an initial fitting- we consider it a vital part of
finding the right bike for you and gathering the information
to optimize the bike especially for you. We also do walk in
fits, but it is best if we hear from you before you arrive to
be sure you have the best possible experience during your initial
fitting.
2. Now, the Bike itself…
Once we finish your initial fitting we get to work. Your bike
is built to your fitting specifications with the correct length
handlebar stem, aerobars, elbow pad risers, shifter placement,
crank length, etc. Once the bike is finished it is check listed
for proper assembly and test ridden. The mechanic who conducts
the checklist signs off on it- his name is on the bike’s
checklist certifying it as ready to ride.
If your bike is ordered we interact with our major
vendors daily so you can be assured that your bike will arrive
as quickly as possible. Once it arrives the building begins.
As soon as we have confirmed it is ready for the final fitting
we’ll phone you to arrange the fitting at your convenience
during store hours.
3. The Final Fitting.
The big day! It’s important to be as well prepared as
possible for your final fitting. Once your final fitting is
scheduled we’ll be ready to fit you personally to your
new bike, built especially for you. During the final fitting
you may be on your bike while it is mounted in an indoor trainer
for an hour. The entire final fitting usually takes approximately
two hours- some are much shorter, some are longer.
When you arrive for your final fitting please
bring or plan to purchase the following:
