Buying A New Bike 'Blind'?

[cosmicbike]

I'm looking to take advantage of the sales, and grab myself a 'nice' bike. My current road steed is a 2013 Trek 1.2, and bought as my road introduction. Having found I quite enjoy it, I'm thinking that now I'm allowed out, I'll buy a carbon frame, higher spec bike for the nicer weather once my health is more normal.
Which bike is quite specific, I have a liking to the Felt AR5 2013:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-ar5-105-2013/

But, I have no way of test riding since you can't at Wiggle, and because of the discount it doesn't fit their 30 day return policy.
I have compared the Trek H2 geometry to that of the Felt and they are very similar for a given frame size, so I guess there is not much more I can do...

Any advice/opinions?

 

[mark st1]

This place isnt far from you mate you could go there and have a butchers. There maybe a Felt stockist closer to you. I just like an excuse to visit that shop tbh as they have some gorgeous bikes
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Felt/AR5-Road-Bike-2013/1N82

 

[Kbrook]

I bought a Felt Z5 from Wiggle blind, all worked out well, it turned up the next day, well built. Go through Quidco, that got me about £30 cashback as well. I went off the dimensions on the Felt site, and compared them to my Ribble, they were almost identical. Good luck.

 

[cosmicbike]

This place isnt far from you mate you could go there and have a butchers. There maybe a Felt stockist closer to you. I just like an excuse to visit that shop tbh as they have some gorgeous bikes
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Felt/AR5-Road-Bike-2013/1N82

Thanks for that, close enough but they have no 56cm in stock. That aside, I'm not a fan of using a High Street shops time and effort, then walking out and buying online from someone else. Of course they could price match..

 

[mark st1]

Its a gorgeous looking bike there is some questions about frame size on the Wiggle site in the Q&A bit. Your right though if you went to Sigma and tried it and it fitted you could ask for a deal as you wouldnt be suited for the one at Wiggle anyway. Do you think your a 56cm or a 58cm out of interest ?

 

[cosmicbike]

Its a gorgeous looking bike there is some questions about frame size on the Wiggle site in the Q&A bit. Your right though if you went to Sigma and tried it and it fitted you could ask for a deal as you wouldnt be suited for the one at Wiggle anyway. Do you think your a 56cm or a 58cm out of interest ?

My Trek is a 56cm, and looking at frame geometry and the Felt size guide I'm reasonably confident a 56cm would be right. I did try a 58cm Trek and I was stretched, even on the 56cm I have fitted a 15mm shorter stem to get it right. I'm 5'10" ish so sure the 58cm will be too big.

 

[mark st1]

Im just looking on the Wiggle site im not seeing where you cant return it if it doesnt fit ? I may be looking in the wrong place ?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Never thought I would say it but @mark st1 has made a pretty good suggestion.
I personally get on with Felt geometry and owned a AR0 a few ago but I can't get on with Trek geometry.
I would visit sigma myself and rather pay a little more for piece of mind than have all the hastle if the mail order bike is the wrong size or not mint

 

[Peteaud]

My Trek is a 56cm, and looking at frame geometry and the Felt size guide I'm reasonably confident a 56cm would be right. I did try a 58cm Trek and I was stretched, even on the 56cm I have fitted a 15mm shorter stem to get it right. I'm 5'10" ish so sure the 58cm will be too big.

It really depends on your leg and torso lengths but i will agree with you a 58 would be to big.

I looked at the felt earlier this year and even at 6 foot i would have gone for the 56.

 

[mark st1]

Never thought I would say it but @mark st1 has made a pretty good suggestion.

If i had a £ for every time id heard that . Id have errrrrrm £1

 

[mark st1]

Im just looking on the Wiggle site im not seeing where you cant return it if it doesnt fit ? I may be looking in the wrong place ?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/BikeDelivery#returns

I can only find this which to me says your bike would be exempt from the "30 day test ride option" as its discounted by more than 15%. Looks like it may cost you £20 though to return it. I've all ways received excellent service from Wiggle so you could ring them and ask they have all ways sorted out any problems iv'e had via e-mail or over the phone.

 

[cosmicbike]

Never thought I would say it but @mark st1 has made a pretty good suggestion.
I personally get on with Felt geometry and owned a AR0 a few ago but I can't get on with Trek geometry.
I would visit sigma myself and rather pay a little more for piece of mind than have all the hastle if the mail order bike is the wrong size or not mint

The problem is Sigma do not have a 56cm in stock, otherwise I would visit and see if they would price match.

 

[cosmicbike]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/BikeDelivery#returns

I can only find this which to me says your bike would be exempt from the "30 day test ride option" as its discounted by more than 15%. Looks like it may cost you £20 though to return it. I've all ways received excellent service from Wiggle so you could ring them and ask they have all ways sorted out any problems iv'e had via e-mail or over the phone.

Noted, never got beyond the 30 day bit For the sake of £20 then it's gotta be worth a punt, would have cost me that in diesel to drive to Sigma..

 

[400bhp]

Look at the bike geometry.

That tells you most you need to know in terms of fit.

 

[SteCenturion]

Never ridden any Felt let alone the AR series.
I do know from a bike mag article though that the 2014 AR is quite different & far more advanced by Felt's own admission.
Much lighter & more Aero etc.
Like the look of the AR a lot but it is very Aero orientated I believe so may not suit the mountain goat type.
Winstanleysbikes or Winstanleyscycles (can't remember full web title) in Wigan were selling these off cheap but don't know if all stock is gone.
Best of British.