I'm buying my first road bike in the very near future. Hopefully this week. I've asked several Giant dealers whether a Defy Advanced or TCR Advanced would be best for me. They've all asked whether I have had any injuries that prohibit me from getting flat. They've all steered me to the more agressive TCR.
Sooo, I'm after a 2010 Giant TCR Advanced 2. The problem is the shop I plan to order from has no TCR's in stock.
I'm right in between a Small and a Medium. I know this is only a guideline, but Giant recommends the Small for 5' 4" to 5' 7" riders, and the Medium for 5' 7" to 5' 10" riders. I'm 5' 7" tall (or short) with a 31 1/2" inseam, which seems strange, because I normally wear 30" inseam jeans. Hmm, maybe they sag a little bit? I measured inseam barefoot using a 1 1/4" thick book up my crotch. I'm 37 and in good shape. I can still get flat over the top tube of a bike without it bothering me. I don't know how long I can maintain that position though. I have no back or other body part injuries. The shop I will be ordering through is going to measure me up to determine the best size.
Should I find a shop that has a TCR, regardless of spec, for me to ride and make sure the geometry isn't going to kill me?
What does a person normally do when a shop doesn't have the size or model they want to buy? This is my first road bike, so I'm kind of new at this. I've been riding mountain bikes since 1993, so I'm not new to riding. My last two mountain bike frames were purchased without me riding the same frame built up.
Thanks for the continued advice.
Sooo, I'm after a 2010 Giant TCR Advanced 2. The problem is the shop I plan to order from has no TCR's in stock.
I'm right in between a Small and a Medium. I know this is only a guideline, but Giant recommends the Small for 5' 4" to 5' 7" riders, and the Medium for 5' 7" to 5' 10" riders. I'm 5' 7" tall (or short) with a 31 1/2" inseam, which seems strange, because I normally wear 30" inseam jeans. Hmm, maybe they sag a little bit? I measured inseam barefoot using a 1 1/4" thick book up my crotch. I'm 37 and in good shape. I can still get flat over the top tube of a bike without it bothering me. I don't know how long I can maintain that position though. I have no back or other body part injuries. The shop I will be ordering through is going to measure me up to determine the best size.
Should I find a shop that has a TCR, regardless of spec, for me to ride and make sure the geometry isn't going to kill me?
What does a person normally do when a shop doesn't have the size or model they want to buy? This is my first road bike, so I'm kind of new at this. I've been riding mountain bikes since 1993, so I'm not new to riding. My last two mountain bike frames were purchased without me riding the same frame built up.
Thanks for the continued advice.