Well I live up in College Station and am planning on sinking a big chunk (to me) of money into a new road bike soon. I've been riding on a k2 zed for a couple of years now, and I finally feel like it's time to upgrade. Problem is that I'm 5'3, and the LBS doesn't have any small sized frames in stock (and won't for at least a couple of weeks). I can't ask him to special order three or four different makes of bike in my size just so I can test ride them, so I'm planning a day trip to Houston to go on a few test rides. I will, of course, be calling in advance to find out who has the right sizes in stock, but I was wondering if I could get a few good recs about places in Houston that will treat me well and let me test ride it for more than a 10 minute short around the parking lot. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

You might want to post this question at the TXBRA Racer's Forum (http://www.txbra.org). I know you'd get some responses there for sure since it's a Texas bike forum.

I understand what you mean about B/CS shops not having much in stock. They just don't have enough customers to stock higher-end road bikes.

My favorite shop is Bike Sport.

However, Bike Barn might be the place with the most inventory for you to try.



You might want to post this question at the TXBRA Racer's Forum (http://www.txbra.org). I know you'd get some responses there for sure since it's a Texas bike forum.

I understand what you mean about B/CS shops not having much in stock. They just don't have enough customers to stock higher-end road bikes.

Don't omit Bikelane on fm1960 and I45 from your trip, they may not have a huge selection but it's a top notch store. Try and avoid the peak hours (lunch, late afternoon) as they can be very busy.

SS

You may not have a interest, but you may want to consider having a bike built for you. Hans Schneider is one of the top frame builders and lives in Huntville, Tx an hr from you. It took me 9 months and about $1800 including tax to get the frame and folk. I'm 5'5" with really short legs(my knees sit on top of my ankles) and long torso. Hans built me a 48 seat tube CC and 53 TT. The frame and forkare reasonablely priced. The additional cost it that it cost more to build up a frame than buy one stock off the floor because the makers get the parts a lot cheaper than we can. The up side is you will have a well built frame that fits you and is comfortable. With peddles and water bottle brackets it weighs about 19 lbs, maybe a bit less, and about 2/3 pound less without peddles and holders. If you have an interest call Hans 936-291-1764.

Depending on what side of town you'll be in


North - Bike Lane, Bike Land, Bike Barn, Sun & Ski

Uptown / Rice Village / Heights - Cyclone Cycles, Bike Barn, West End, Bike Sport

SouthWest- Bike Barn


All shops have websites so you can just do a search on the web for more info.

Best bet is to talk with Jeff at Daniel Boone (http://www.danielboonecycles.com) He will probably want to go with a custom Seven to address your fit and sizing issues.

Other good shops are West End (http://www.westendbikes.com). Make sure Will is there. He works odd hours but is the guy you want to work with. Rumor has it that he is the guy who gave Lance a good run for his money in a cyclocross race in Austin last year.

As mentioned by others on this thread, Bikesport is another way to go. Probably have the best repair shop in town. (http://www.bikesport.com/)

Another alternative is to try the brothers who own Urban Bicycle Gallery (http://www.urbanbicyclegallery.com/pages/1/index.htm) and Cyclone (http://www.cyclonecycles.com/) at their Kirby Drive location.

Bike Barn has a large inventory on the floor but is very transactional.