Is it me or is it THEM?

My 5 year old is SICK again. This makes about the 5th time this winter. I am going to have to improvise a workout. I am so thankful that I was able to work as hard as I did yesterday. So much for momentum. It also looks like tomorrow's workout will be derailed as well. I sold my bike for more than I asked, BUT the catch is I have to deliver it to Boston, and so goes my "morning off".

The good news is that I get to buy a bike this weekend-or at least go shopping with intent. I have 3 bike shops in the area and I plan to visit each one to see where I will get the best customer service and the best deal on a bike. I've had bad service at 2 of the shops in the past both related to my weight and assumptions made by staff that I wasn't worth their time to work with and fit properly. I hate that it happens, but I have come to almost expect it. Sometimes I wonder if it is me - condeming these people before I even give them a chance. I've been wanting to go into the bike shop and look around, ask questions but I am really afraid and uncomfortable. I don't like what has happened in the past and I don't want it to happen again. That's why I've dragged my feet about selling my old bike - even though I REALLY want a new one. That is why I wanted to lose weight first - so that it is no longer an issue.

When I did my first triathlon in 2003, I went to buy a bike. I weighed about 205-ish. When I went in to look at bikes I was told that I could use ANY bike for a triathlon. And, since I may not do more than one I should look at the comfort bikes, which I would be more inclined to ride after the race. I was talked into buying a Specialized hybrid off the floor. It was 54cm, which in hindsight is WAY TOO BIG. Why didn't they have me at least try a road bike?

The next bike I bought was in 2004 with my sister. We were immediately steered to the TREK 1000 - a good first road bike. The sales kid had us straddle the bike to determine that we were both 52's and that was about it. It was only after we bought the bikes were we told - by a friend of my sister's about the other parts of the bike that should be fit (such as the stem - angle/size). Thanks.

So now after riding my Trek for 3 years, test riding new Treks at the Danskin Expo, and doing my own research on line, I think I should be able to ask intelligent questions and DEMAND good service. I don't want to walk out with a bike that I don't LOVE. It should be a fun day, not a day to dread...