La Bicicletta
Located in the west end of TO, La Bicicletta is a shop dedicated to road bikes (more specifically road, track, time trial, cyclo-cross).
La Bicicletta Difference
Right off the bat, Heath (left) the sales manager at La Bicicletta, dove into telling me why their shop is different from from the rest. Besides their 20 car parking lot, La Bicicletta focuses a lot of time and energy on making sure your road bike is the the perfect bike for you.
Bike Fit
What does this mean exactly? Well, first if you are looking for a new road bike you are asked to make an appointment, so they can dedicate time to talk to you personally about what you’re looking for. Next, before you even look at models and makes, they’ll test your flexibility, strength, and positioning through an intense “bike fitting”. Heath believes this is the MOST important step in buying a road bike. If the bike doesn’t fit your body than you are wasting energy and potentially hurting yourself in the long run.
For women specifically, he says that our bodies are designed differently (usually we’re more flexible and more powerful on our hips than men), but we don’t necessarily need a “women’s specific” bike to address that. La Bicicletta’s thorough bike fitting process will make sure your bike fits your body specifically, something a generic “women’s specific” bike will never do.
Women’s Apparel and Gear
As for women’s road apparel, La Bicicletta seems to be doing right. They have great selection of NICE women’s cycling brands like Assos, Girodana, Sugoi, and Decente. They also have a good selection of women’s road cycling shoes, seats, and pedals. The list of women’s cycling accessories and gear just seems to go on-and-on, and I have to admit I was impressed.
For bikes, Heath said they have about 10-15 different frames starting at $600-$6000 in sizes small and x-small (usually the fit for women), so we are spoiled for choice there too. Also, La Biciciletta has a reasonable return policy just in case the bike you bought isn’t everything you thought it would be.
Beyond the shop
La Bicicletta actively supports the road cycling community, and like other shops, they have their more “professional” racing team. Yet, for their customers not looking to turn pro they offer cycling clinics and weekly rides to help improve ride technique on their road bikes.
Check them out at www.labicicletta.com
Store Location:
1180 Castlefield Avenue
York, ON M6B 1G1
(416) 762-2679
Rocket Girl 2009
Hi there – I’ve been enjoying reading your blog. Recently got into cycling (duathlon and road riding) and am looking for a used women’s road bike. I’ve looked on Craigslist, etc, but they all seem to be mens bikes. Wondered if you had any suggestions on where else to look?
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the kind words! And to answer your question, i’m not too knowledgeable on buying second hand “tri” or road bikes and I suggest buying new for a couple of reasons. First buying a used road bike means you don’t really know how hard it’s been ridden, or if it’s been smashed or in an accident (which may not be detectable by just looking at it or taking it for a quick test ride, especially with carbon frames when fractures can’t been seen). Any damage to the frame, fork, wheel set, etc. means your safety is at risk, especially if you are kicking ass at a wicked pace on a course… You want full trust that nothing is going to fail. And god forbid something does fail on your bike, you also want to be able to bring it back to the shop where they’d deal with manufacturer for you. Many manufacturers have a crash replacement program, something you’re not entitled to if you buy second hand. Buying a second hand road bike kinda leaves you all alone if something goes wrong.
Second, the fit of a second hand bike is not going to be meant for you…it’s meant for the previous rider. This is a problem because I expect you’ll be spending lots of hours in the saddle and over time your body takes the brunt of it (back pain, knees, etc). Proper fit is really important, I really think it’s something a bike shop (who is equipped with the proper components/parts) definitely needs to help you with. Jumping on any bike off craigslist may feel fine now, but over time will take it’s toll.
I don’t want to seem like a downer!!!! I’m all for secondhand beater bikes! Because they save you money and it serves it’s purpose. But to buy second hand for participating in races and heavy training, I’d really suggest spending the money on a new ride, something that is right for you (your body type) your type of racing and budget. There are lots of great sales out there at bike shops this summer go have a look.
The Tri and duo store that comes to mind is called Endurosports… I haven’t been there yet, but they might be able to help you more. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Rocket Girl 2009
HEY! ok i know I just went on a rant about second hand gear… but!!! here is the name of a women who is a “secondhand” bike consultant!
krista@xperiencedgear.com
She makes a living off of finding secondhand (gently used road, tri, track etc) bikes because she is an ex-pro herself and well connected! Give her a shout and she what she can do for you.
Also expect me to interview her very soon
Cheers,
Jen