The better half and I were at the bike shop where we bought our first two (modern) bikes (Marin Larkspurs), picking up some odds and ends and looking at bikes again. We realized that the Larkspurs didn't quite suite our riding needs and went looking for something better. We struck up a conversation with the owner who has been in/around the industry since the 70's? Maybe the 60's? To say that he is an encyclopedia of cycling knowledge is selling him short. He wanted to know my type of riding (commuting, exercise and pleasure on trail and road surfaces) and suggested THIS BIKE. The conversation turned to the better half and for her, he thought THIS BIKE might work for her. He also said that he'd assemble a Cannodale Synapse of some sort to let her try as well.
Now mind you, this is on a Saturday, later in the afternoon and it's raining. No time to ride in the parking lot as you usually would. So, he says "Just take them". We said "But you're closed tomorrow? Right?"... "Yup. And Monday..." "Just bring them back Tuesday and let me know what you think." I (we) were floored! Almost two thousand dollars worth of bikes loaned for the weekend on good faith! WOW! IDK? Maybe it's common?
Anyway, we rode them and were pretty happy with them. We'll go back tomorrow night and follow up on them and the better half will get to try the Cannondale. Who knows? Maybe I'll get the Schwinn? I was looking at a Raleigh Revenio 2.0, but Ron the owner thought the steel framed Schwinn would be much smoother on the long run.
However I decide to go, I'll stay with this shop for sure!
Now mind you, this is on a Saturday, later in the afternoon and it's raining. No time to ride in the parking lot as you usually would. So, he says "Just take them". We said "But you're closed tomorrow? Right?"... "Yup. And Monday..." "Just bring them back Tuesday and let me know what you think." I (we) were floored! Almost two thousand dollars worth of bikes loaned for the weekend on good faith! WOW! IDK? Maybe it's common?
Anyway, we rode them and were pretty happy with them. We'll go back tomorrow night and follow up on them and the better half will get to try the Cannondale. Who knows? Maybe I'll get the Schwinn? I was looking at a Raleigh Revenio 2.0, but Ron the owner thought the steel framed Schwinn would be much smoother on the long run.
However I decide to go, I'll stay with this shop for sure!