Conference noted::bicycle

    By all means, go to Goodale's.  Between my family and friends, we've
    bought at least 7 bikes there.  Talk to Ron, he's good.  Tell him
    I sent you!
    
    As for bikes, it depends on your intended use.  The Sirrus looks
    like an entry-level racing or triathlon bike.  My girlfriend just
    bought (in that same category) a Panasonic DX-4000 (from Goodale's).
    It has the full Shimano 105 group and a nice frame, made in Japan.
    "They" say that Japanese frames are better that Taiwanese frames.
    The Sirrus has a Taiwanese frame.  I've never owned a Tai bike,
    so...  So far, the Panasonic has been an excellent bike.  I think
    its the best buy in the above category.  I also liked the Schwinn
    Tempo, which has the same components, at $475, but it has a frame
    made of seamed tubing, instead of seamless, like the others.  It
    also has 32 spoke wheels, which are nice for racing, but I wouldn't
    want to train on them.  Those two reasons are why we/she bought
    the Panasonic ($509).
    
    Good luck,
    
    Kevin

    Do you have directions to Goodale's?  I will be heading from Mass
    on route 3 north.
                                                           
    Thanks,
    Denis  (Whose wife still hasn't found the right bike!)  :^)

    to Goodale's from Mass.  Rt 3 North to Exit 5 East, take 111 East
    to Main St, left one main about 4 lights, it's on the right just
    after the bridge over the Nashua river.  park either on the bridge
    or just around Goodales there's a parking lot or if you miss that
    park at Dunkin Donuts (ignore signs to the contrary).
    
    BUT YOU'D BETTER CALL FIRST.  They had water in the basement yesterday
    and were closed -- something to do with the Nashua river.
    
    Oh, 603-882-2111.
    
    ed

    Not that Goodales isnt a good bike shop but in the interest of shopping
    around a little, you should at least check out Category I Cyclegoods
    on Westford Rd, Tyngsboro (Thats Exit 34 off of Rt. 3- head west
    approx .5 miles and its in the Flints Corner Plaza on the left).
    I too looked at the Panasonic but I think I'm going to get the
    Centurion Expert from Cat I.  They do do 'fit kits' although I haven't
    had the experience with them yet.  Good luck with your decision.
    
    -rob 

    
    has anyone had experience with Sunshine Sports?????
    
    Joe

    
    I buy alot of stuff there.  I looked at the bikes, but bought at
    Goodales.
    
    If you know the bike you want, and Sunshine has it for a decent
    price, then I wouldn't avoid the place, but they didn't give me
    a warm feeling with their sales pitch.  S.O.S  "...their brands suck,
    you want a Shogun 400 for $400 or a 500 for $650, and I have a peugot
    for $750..."  Not a real personal touch.  I think they do Fit kit
    now though.
    
    Buying at a smaller bike shop will cost you a few bucks, but when
    your wheels are a little out of true, or your brakes need to be
    adjusted on a ride, you can always swing by the shop and get a little
    quicker service.
    
    

>    Buying at a smaller bike shop will cost you a few bucks, but when
    
Not always true! As most folks who came to the shop I used to work in
could tell you, we provided 1) better equipment 2) faster service
3) better service and 4) better prices overall than any of the big shops
in town. All this because 1) we were genuinely interested in bicycling
and promoting interest in it, and 2) we were only in it to support our
own cycling habit, not to get rich quick. I get truly peeved at a lot
of the shops I've been to in the last 15 years (since I got out of the
business) who seem like they would just as soon be selling you toaster
ovens just so the bucks came in. Anyone else run into shops like that?

                                                   ken

    re .7
    
    You're right.  I actually got a pretty good deal on mine.  Should
    have read, "...you might have to pay a few extra bucks from a place
    with a large inventory, and high volume, but its worth it..."

    JD