...to try to return my new bike?

[CatsRidingRollercoasters]

I'm probably being unreasonable but I wondered what the consensus would be. I've got a new bike. I bought it last week and it's beautiful. It's a different style to my old road bike. I've taken it out for a few rides (probably done 30 miles or so) and I don't like it. It's too heavy and slow.

Is there any point in asking to return it? It's not brand new anymore

I could sell it privately but would make a big loss if I did that.

I could just keep it.

Oh damn.

Where did you buy it?

You could try, but unless it's part of the package they offer then I don't think you'll get all of what you paid.

MTB expert DH says 0% chance of any refund. Sell privately.

It was from a Specialized retailer - small independent shop.

Is there something you could upgrade like the tyres. Is it actually heavier or it is there something that feels different?

It's the whole geometry of it really - it's just a completely different riding position. I actually quite like the uprightness - the frame is so heavy though.

I think I'll ask - they can only say no! Perhaps I could offer to pay for replacement tyres etc. Otherwise someone is getting a bargain in a private sale! Damn damn damn!

I would ask them, it can't hurt. I bought my last bike from Evans, despite their awful customer service because of their 30 day returns policy.

I can't see it, they won't be able to sell it as new and will make a loss selling it "second hand", just like you would, I'm afraid .

So, is it a Specialized? Because they don't make bad bikes. Is it actually heavier than your old bike? Is it set up correctly for you?
What is it? What is your old bike?

Yes what bike did you have and what is your new one?

My old one was a really old Trex one - we brought it back from when we lived overseas. It's probably 25 years old but very lightweight aluminium. It's rusting quite badly now so time for a change!

The new one is a Specialized hybrid. It's a bit more upright.

I could pick up the old one with one finger. There was nothing that lightweight in my price range now though. I thought a hybrid would be more comfortable for commuting etc. It is comfortable - on long flat stretches it's perfectly fine - hills are a killer though! And getting up to and maintaining speed are not great.

Weight is always the key element in bikes though isn't it. It's a deal breaker. Can you look for new bike that's light first & then make a decision on this one?

If it's the hills that are a killer, then it could well be gearing that is the issue. Was your Trek a Mountainbike? If so, it's likely that it has lower gears than your new hybrid.
I'd also change the tyres. If you're commuting on it, get something as slick as possible. They'll be lighter. I like Continental Town and Country tyres.

PS - Aliminium does not rust.

Good point about the tyres - they are very thick compared with the old ones. The Trek was a road bike (dropped handlebar type thing).

Good point about the rusting aluminium (although it can rust, but much more rarely and the rust would be white!) it's not actually the basic (aluminium) frame which has rusted though. Bits of it are steel and they are all rusty, especially the rims. It's such an old bike that it doesn't seem worth spending loads of money on it. Also some of the parts it needs are a bit obscure (dh tells me) because it was bought overseas in the 90s.

I'm going to ring the shop tomorrow and see what they say.

If you are used to a road bike then anything else will feel heavier. I have a specialized mountain bike and a road bike, the different in weight is massive because they have different purposes.
If you want something as light as your old bike then you will probably need another road bike.

I totally agree with wishingitwasFriday. A hybrid or MTB is never going to be as light as a road bike. Also, as the riding position is different, you'll be using your muscles differently, which will take a bit of getting used to.

I ride a Specialised MTB and a (lovely, lovely, carbon) Trek road bike. Completely different bikes, with completely different purposes. You wouldn't compare an Audi TT with a Qashquai - same kind of comparison as comparing your old road bike and new hybrid, except your legs are the engine.

Give it a go - they will almost certainly say no, but you have nothing to lose (other than a mild bit of embarrassment) at asking.

But agree with PP. I have a Specialized MTB and an absolutely ancient Dawes road bike - latter is steel (and not even expensive chrome-moly steel). The Dawes is still lighter than the Specialized because MTB frames have to be built to take an absolute hammering. The riding position on an MTB and/or hybrid is also completely different (I personally find the road bike much much more comfortable and am toying with the idea of selling the MTB).

Having said that, very minor things about set-up can make a huge difference - particularly with the saddle. Experiment with both the angle of the saddle and its fore-and-aft positioning - where it is relative to the seat post will make a huge difference to your ride. It might be worth seeing if the bike shop you bought it from will do some tinkering for you and help you set up the riding position.

Also saddle design makes a huge difference. My MTB has a woman's saddle, my road bike a man's one - and I actually find the woman's saddle is too wide for me.

Have handed my laptop to DP, as it's much easier than transcribing what he wants to say, but he's got a worthwhile opinion on your question...

MTBMummy's other half here (bike trade employee).

If i were you i'd either give the shop a ring or drop them an email and speak to the mgr/owner. By the sounds of things you have set your expectations correctly re any likely refund. If they agree to take it back they cannot sell it on honestly with its warranty as those are for the original owner and are nontransferable. As a result they would have to drop the price to reflect this. But if you don't ask...

Why did you choose a hybrid, is my question? Or did they sell you what they had in the store?