After sub-zero temperatures and some great skiing we have our first day of temperatures rising into the 40’s…Balmy! The cycling bug immediately bit me. As I set up the bike trainer I dream of warmer weather, long road rides and epic backcountry mountain bike tours. The sad part is we are still a long way off up here in the Rockies.

Many people asking questions on what bike they should buy this upcoming season have started approaching me. May I remind you that my boyfriend owns a bike shop here in Jackson where I work in the summers. I am not an expert on bike fit but I do have some advice that I feel confident sharing…especially with women. The biggest question I get is…do I need a women’s specific bike? The answer to this is: maybe. A women’s specific bike frame is not for every woman. I have really long legs and almost no body; therefore the women’s specific Orbea Dama fits me really well. Aside from just the bike frame, I was sure to get a professional bike fit to dial in my knee angle, saddle height, stem length, etc. I cannot stress enough the importance of good fit.

To avoid the drama of getting a bike that does not fit you can follow these next few guidelines:

• Re-read the article, Is Your Body Women Specific-. This is a great place to start gathering the knowledge you will need at the shop.

• Knowledge is power. Do not let that salesperson talk you into this or that bike without having some knowledge of your own. Start asking yourself questions such as: How often do I want to ride each week? What terrain will I mostly ride (flat, hills, mountain passes…)? Do I have back pain? Do I have knee issues? What is my budget? Don’t hesitate to shop around. You should test ride as many bikes as possible before you buy. A good shop will ask you some of the above questions. Run from the salesperson that just throws a bike at you without questions.

• GET A PROFESSIONAL BIKE FIT (Cost approximately $150). This is the best way to load your self up with some confidence. During a bike fit you get the actual bike measurements pertaining to your body’s requirements. When you go to the bike shop to buy you will have the answers written down. You can take these measurements and apply them to any bike frame by looking at the specifications chart. Every dealer will have specs on the bicycles that they sell.
  Most shops that offer bike fits will apply the cost of the fit to a bike if bought through them. This is a great option ONLY if the brands they carry match your needs.

• AVOID BUYING A BIKE ONLINE. Women tend to be a bit nervous when entering a bike shop. The fear of not knowing what to ask for or just not knowing what they want can be debilitating. I want women to start forming relationships with their local shops. Search around for the shop that makes you feel welcome and will answer your questions sincerely and intelligently. When buying a bicycle online you risk the chance of a painful ride.

You want to love your bike. Great fit will assure you quality and results. My dogs tracking snow and mud into the house just brought me back to the reality that WARM is very far off. The indoor trainer will have to do until then. Any movie suggestions?