I'm still in the 'talking' stage of getting a new bike. I've decided I need one, hubby is still dealing with sticker shock. One way or another, I'm getting a new bike this season.

Yesterday I was out with my son, and he reminded me he needed a new helmet. We stopped by the lbs that my coach has suggested. We got the helmets (I decided I needed a new one, too...) and I asked about fitting a new bike (as in after I actually have the bike). I like my Terry and have pretty much decided that I'll get another. He took the time to show me some other options. They don't carry Terry's anymore, but he thought that they could special order one for me.

Today, after my run I stopped by the lbs that carries Terry's. I needed a new frame pump and figured that was a good enough excuse to go shopping. This store had plenty of Terry's in stock. However, they insist you make an appointment for a fitting before they will even show you a bike. Oh, and they charge for this fitting... This should be a slam dunk sale--I have a Terry and want another. And the kicker, while ringing up my pump this salesperson gets on the phone to let someone know that their special order was in... It was almost like this guy didn't want to sell me a bike!

I've only bought two bikes. The first, the lbs showed me several bikes that would fit, then had me test ride them. The second, my current Terry is custom.

Is it now standard to require a fitting prior to looking at bikes? Or should I forget the store that sells Terry's and special order from another store?