Northern VA Bike Shop recommendation (for woman)
NoVa peeps - I have a friend who needs to get a good road bike so she can get started on her cycling career. Novice cyclist who wants to do triathlons and group rides. She thinks she wants a Specialized because she heard they were designed by female engineers. Anyone have a good bike shop that will treat her fairly and get her properly fitted? The less "cyclist attitude" the better, and I can say that because I am a recovering cyclist. Thanks!
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I recently helped my sister buy her first road bike when I visited her. She sounds a lot like your friend, wanting to get into cycling more and pick up triathlon. Even thought she wanted a Specialized at first (Dolce).
We went around to several shops in DC and Northern VA. By far the best service and least snobby attitude we came across was indeed a tri shop. Bonzai Sports in Falls Church. They treated her like they would have treated me buying a new superbike even though she was originally in the market for something around $700-$800. She waited a bit and ended up getting a new Felt F75 on closeout, a big step up IMO, at a great price. The fitting, the buying of accessories (she was completely new to cycling), and more...incredibly helpful for her (I was long gone by then to help her out!). They were even honest about what she should buy online at a cheaper price and offered to pick her up at the Metro stop when she came back to the store!
Adam and Chris- Great recommendations. Thanks to you both for the response. I will try to follow up with my friends' experience so that others can use that as a recommendation.
I like the folks at Bicycle Pro Shop in Alexandria (on Duke). There's also one in DC.
I think Conte's is super elitist and snotty, and would stay away. heck, I'm not sure if they sell anything but Cervelos.
I've also heard good things about Bike Rack in DC, but haven't purchased a bike there.
My only experience with Bonzai is that the boys who work there will hit on the girls who walk in. That's not necessarily a bad thing... but it is what it is.