Our cycling adventure continues. It became clear that the
first bike we bought for Alena needed to be replaced. We wanted something in the similar class of what Brian landed me.
Brian gave me a few pointers in respect to what to look for — Shimano componens, preferable 105 or higher. Aluminum frame, carbon fiber fork. The frame should be around 56cm — which pretty much excludes all feminine bikes.
I ended up doing a lot of reading and researching. First we started looking for used bikes on eBay and Craigslist — nothing decent was showing up. Then I decided to get a no-name bike from an online source. After that I thought that we’d rather pay more money for a bike from a company that stands behind their product. And the smartest decision of all was to actually avoid buying online and just got to a local shop.
And exactly that we did yesterday after work. We happen to be lucky to have a
cycling store 5 minutes away from us with a great reputation which people come to visit from all parts of NYC. And after our experience there we know why.
After my research online I decided that Cannondale CAAD9 5 would be our choice. A lot of great reviews, even though it was a bit more than we wanted to spend originally. The local store of ours also quoted us the lowest price out of all the stores I called in the area — $1225.
When we got to the store though the store owner suggested a different brand — Specialized. The reason was that we needed to get a rather large frame for Alena’s legs, but that would make the reach (distance to the handle bars) too big. This particular frame actually had a shorter top tube length.
He spent over an hour with us showing us different models and letting Alena try them. The one he recommended was very comfortable for her. After that he took a bunch of measurements on some special machine to make sure it’d be just right for our pickup the day after.
The only thing that I wasn’t sure about was the components. They were still Shimano parts, but not 105, but a step or 2 lower that that — Tiagra and Sora. They also did have the same exact frame with 105 components, but it was over $300 more and the owner was pretty damn sure that I don’t need to spend that money. He said that it was my decision, but he was sure that the cheaper version was perfect for Alena and there was absolutely no reason for us spend more money.
We were convinced —
Specialized Sequoia is what we went with. It cost us $769.
Today we came back and he had the bike ready, fitted for Alena. He took it outside and made Alena ride it 6 or 7 times back and forth making small adjustments, making sure it was perfect. Even if we could find this bike cheaper somewhere online the service that was provided to us was just invaluable. I can’t remember having such a satisfying experience buying anything.
We bought a couple of other accessories — helmets, some padded shorts, bells and went out for a ride on the bicycle path near Belt Pkwy. We had an awesome time. Lots of fun and enjoyment, even though the weather was horribly cold.
If it wouldn’t be for our first cheap bike buy and Brian landing me a great bike — we would never have a clue how much a good bike means. I’m very thankful for all the help Brian has provided.
After 4 weeks of waiting and almost a year long break I’m back on a bicycle. However everything worked out in an unexpected way as it often does.
This time around I place an order for Cannondale CAAD9-4. Same bike as I had before, only instead of getting Shimano 105 components I decided to go with SRAM Rival. The problem was that our LBS didn’t have this particular bike in stock. They placed an order to Cannondale and Cannondale folks were dragging their feet.
This past Wednesday Sasha asked if I wanted to stop by the store, see if he’ll pick anything out. The owner wasn’t supposed to be there on Wednesday, but there he was. He explained to me that Cannondale was expecting to ship the bikes next week and that he would’ve called me if anything changed, but I told him that I’m here with a friend to show him around.
We went to look at bikes and I suggested Alex test drives a CAAD9 bike and a Synapse. CAAD9 is a great crit bike and is great for racing, or anything else for that matter, but since we’re not really planning to race an endurance bike could be a better choice, and Synapse is exactly that. Synapse comes in alloy and carbon.
Sasha ended up liking Synapse more. We were told that it was a 2009 (last year) carbon model with Shimano 105 stuff. The price tag was $1400, which is a bit crazy, knowing that 2010 model goes for $2150. When Alex agreed to buy it, the owner started checking books and discovered that they, as he eloquently put it, fucked up. The bike was aluminum alloy, not carbon. 
Allan (the owner) apologized for the screw up and said to correct the situation he’s going to give him a very good price — $1100 for aluminum and if he still wants carbon he’ll give him 2010 model for $1550, which is off the hook. I started feeling that my $1500 for $1800 wasn’t as great of a deal compared to this one — although it still was a hell of a deal, judging by the info on the forums.
Alex took a bike for a test drive and Allan said to me that since I was his customer it would not be right if he wouldn’t offer me the same deal. After a short test drive it didn’t take long for me to change my mind. Although CAAD9 is an awesome bike I figured that for me endurance bike probably makes more sense than a crit bike, since I’m not really all that great of a cyclist at this point. Plus this way I could pick up my new bike right away, instead of waiting. Alex did the same.
We picked them up on Friday. I put a little bit over 40 miles up to this point on my bike and I like it a lot. First day I wasn’t sure about my switch, but now I’m just happy to be riding again. We picked up a bunch of other gear which was given to us at a great price as well. I said this before, and I will say this again — THE BEST customer service and shopping experience, only at Sheepshead Cycle Shop. Allan is great to do business with, and I’m one of many very satisfied customers.
. Как такое могло случиться? У вас же в доме и видеонаблюдение везде, да и незаметно велосипеды не вынесешь, вещь не маленькая…
However, I also felt the excitement which originated from anticipation of something wonderfully liberating and blood-warming!
April 4, 2010 @ 19:39
Even though I ride only scooters, I liked the bike.
It looks very stylish, ergonomic and professional. On seeing this bicycle you start wishing to get one yourself. 
April 4, 2010 @ 21:16
And you totally should. As you know I’m not too much into sports, but I also realize that just sitting all the time in front of computer and doing nothing else is not good either. Cycling is actually something that is good for your health and at the same is very much fun. I enjoy it a lot.
P.S. Turns out I got some sunburn today, not good. Misha, Sasha, are you guys OK?
April 4, 2010 @ 21:42
You know me — I’m black, I don’t get sunburned
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