Embarrassed to test ride in LBS

[CCinSC]

Hey all,

I'm green as green can be and am about to buy my first nice bikes-a Trek WSP and a Trek Mt Bike. I haven't ridden a bike in 14yrs and am very uncomfortable with the idea of riding in front of everyone at the LBS for the first time! Can the LBS fit me for my new bike without me actually riding it in front of them? :o If I bust my butt the first time I get on, I don't want to do it at the dang store! :D

I hope I'm not being to incredibly silly but I feel very embarrassed by this thought! Any advise, encouragement or beatings over the head for being ridiculous are welcomed! ;)

Thanks to all,
CC

[bikerHen]

Do you know anyone with a bike you could do a test run on to get your bike legs and balance? The LBS could put you up on a trainer. But the usually drill includes riding around the parking lot. bikerHen

[indysteel]

Remember that your LBS is used to working with new or returning riders so they've likely seen it all. If I remember correctly, I took a fall the first time I test rode my road bike. I can't even remember what boneheaded thing I did that made me fall. I laughed, dusted myself off and moved on. Thankfully, the fall hasn't been indicative of my skills as as cyclist.

I understand your fear of embarrassing yourself, but you'll end up being a lot more embarrassed if you buy a bike that doesn't fit or handle well. Learning to laugh at yourself is a good skill to have. Every cyclist I know has fallen or done something stupid/silly/embarrassing on their bike. Just do a search for clipless pedals and you'll read about a fair number of falls; it's a right of passage. The sooner you get over self-consciousness, the better.

Admittedly, relearning to ride a bike as an adult isn't brain surgery, but it also isn't as easy or intuitive as it was when we were kids. There are things you have to learn how to do and do safely and skillfully on a bike that take some courage. Treat test riding the bikes in the parking lot as good practice for what's to come. I'd further encourage you to embrace such acts of courage. They're what lead to a sense of accomplishment and victory.

Good luck.

[RolliePollie]

I bought my road bike last winter. The first bike I test rode was at REI. They sent me out to the back parking lot all by myself. Good thing too, because I immediately tipped over and fell on the pavement (luckily, no damage to the bike). I hadn't been on a bike in at least 15 years and had NEVER been on a road bike. Next I went to my LBS. I was very nervous about riding one of their bikes in front of them. So I told them I didn't know what I was doing and that I had fallen test riding a bike at REI...I basically made fun of myself to try and keep it light. That way, I figured if I fell over or looked like a fool, maybe we could all just laugh about it. I also figured that I wouldn't be the first person they'd encountered who looked like an idiot. I used the curb to help me get on the bikes, I didn't use the cages on the pedals, and I went really slow. I didn't fall, but I was wobbling all over the place. None of the LBS folks seemed to notice. I'm sure they're very used to newbies! You can do it! It can be potentially embarassing, but oh well!

[Zen]

I REMEMBER WHAT THAT'S LIKE
let the people at the bike shop know how you feel.
See if you can go in back of the building or somewhere else where there isn't as much of an audience or as many obstacles.

I went to one bike shop where the guy was pushing the bike out the door while saying "go ride around the parking lot" and I was saying " I don't want to ride around the parking lot' (it was a busy, crowded lot)
He didn't listen and I bought my bike somewhere else.

[CCinSC]

Thanks everyone for the advice and understanding! This is such a new feeling! I ride horses and don't think twice when I get dumped but I've been riding for 24yrs so it's second nature. I ride dirt-bikes and don't get nervous, fearful or embarrassed when I bite it in front of everyone! This is just crazy!

I do have a neighbor who has a bike, maybe she will let me wobble around the neighborhood until I get my balance.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me-I'm so glad that I found this site!

~CC :D

[LoriO]

Don't worry about it, they are used to it!

When I went to get a bike a couple of years ago I hadn't been on one in years!! I was so worried that I would fall or crash or do something stupid. I wobbled a bit but managed to do just fine. Just let the staff know that it has been awhile and don't be afraid to ask questions about how things work on the bike if you need to!

As a fellow horse rider, I know what you mean about the difference between falling off a bike vs a horse. I also think I would rather fall off my horse anytime then my bike!!!

[sandra]

It comes back to your really fast. The main thing I recommend is that if you are not used to using the clips and straps on pedals, DON'T try to use them.

I test rode a bike and rode back up right in front of my DH and the guy and BOOM, hit the ground. I was not used to the clips and straps and didn't get my foot out quick enough. The guy selling the bike said "I hope you are OK, OH, I hope you are OK"

Believe it or not, it was not really embarrassing and I didn't really care what he thought, because I was getting ready to spend a lot of money and I wanted to try it out first.

[li10up]

I'd further encourage you to embrace such acts of courage. They're what lead to a sense of accomplishment and victory.

Well said.

When I did my first test ride on a road bike I had my hands on the top of the bars and needed to brake....I went to squeeze the brake levers only to realize they weren't there....they were there on my old 10 speed 25 years ago. :o I nearly ran into a parked car.

[Tuckervill]

I was really really nervous when I test rode my road bike. That's why I didn't stay in the parking lot but went down the block to a different parking lot and tried several things like shifting, moving my hands around, etc.

I just can't believe how different is now. I had a 10 speed racer in high school and it's like i never quit riding. It will be that way for you, too.

I see you already thought of my suggestion to get on someone else's bike for a toodle before you go to the LBS. I think that's a good idea.

Karen

[AmyO]

Geez, I thought I was the only one to fall off on a test drive! I was at my LBS and took a $1300 road bike out for a spin, but used the straps/clip and took a nasty tumble when I didn't get my foot out in time. I think I was trying to save the bike!!! I was bleeding pretty badly from my knee and it was the same kind of thing...the guy at the store kept asking me if I was ok. I was more worried about the bike! It wasn't until I got home (I didn't buy that bike, I got one that was MUCH more comfortable to ride) that I realized how much blood was on my pants and what damage I had done to myself. It was over two months ago and it's finally healed. Now I have new boo boos from my more recent crash! I finally took a road cycling clinic @ REI, which amused my friends no end.

[limewave]

I took my mom to test ride a bike at LBS and she hadn't ridden a bike in more than 30 years! If she can do it, I know you can. It's so important to do that test ride before you make the purchase.

[PinkPilot]

You can't be any more green than I was a month ago when I rode my bike at my LBS for the first time. They had to ship in this bike from a shop in Texas for me, so test riding wasn't even an option. However, I was fitted on a similar aluminum Trek WSD model to ensure the 50 cm model was the right size. They wanted me to test ride the aluminum one but I was too embarrassed. I haven't been on a bike in more than 40 years, I'm betting. I learned to ride a bike as a young girl but I had certainly never been on a road bike, had never used gears or hand brakes or any of that. When my bike came in, I guess you would call that my test ride. I was convinced I could start with clipless pedals and cleats and shoes. Oh, mercy! Even though we practiced all of these things on a trainer and it seemed easy, it's obviously not the same as doing it while balancing and take-offs and stops, etc. I couldn't get clipped in, stayed in whatever gear I was in and pretty much managed only a one-footed pedaling job around the parking lot and the brakes! Luckily, it was a Sunday and there weren't very many cars in the lot (I would recommend that, by the way). When I got back to where the bike guy was standing, I stopped right next to him, and of course the bike tilted to the clipped-in side since I didn't know what I was doing. Oh, sweet heaven...I was sure I was falling and without even thinking, reached out to hang on to him and grabbed the guy in the crotch!! Talk about embarrassed!!!! :o Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. Another guy (customer) had obviously been watching and he was laughing as he walked to his car. We switched out the pedals temporarily, since I felt I was taking on too many new things at one time and I really, really wanted to ride this bike. And, I've done fine since, despite limited riding due to the horribly hot weather in NC. A week and a half ago, I rode 27 miles straight through, averaged 13.4 mph with 989 ft in climbs and (most importantly) taught myself how to get the water bottle out of the cage, drink, and return it to the cage while riding! That's a tough one for a beginner. Applied chapstick one-handed while riding, too.

The moral of the story is.....you can NEVER do as badly as some of the rest of us! And you will NEVER be the worst they've seen. They take these things in stride. It's not a private club -- EVERYONE who cycles was new once and EVERYONE has had these wonderfully (now) funny stories happen to them. Or maybe I just tell myself that!!!!! :D

[maryellen]

I think Sara has given you great advice on how to handle it. Although I enjoy trying new bikes when I'm shopping, I *don't* like test riding (if that makes any sense). I live in Manhattan and it is not a good place to test ride bikes. Curiously, when I had just about decided on what road bike to buy last year, the guy at the shop wanted me to try one more bike--it had been sold to someone who hadn't picked it up yet. That was nerve wracking--the thought of crashing someone else's brand new bike. Fortunately, I rode it and returned it without incident!

[withm]

you'll be fine, but be sure to wear a HELMET just in case the stuff hits the fan.....

I bet there isn't anybody on this board that hasn't fallen at least once.

[annie]

They can fit you in a very general way, without you riding the bike. But to make sure the fit is right, yep, there's no way to do that without you ON the bike. Personally, I think they need to set you up on a trainer, so they can actually watch you ride. If you haven't ridden for years, you probably aren't going to know whether or not the bike fits right, even if you ride it. They need to see how it fits you and make the proper adjustments. Then have you take it out for a spin and see how it feels in actual riding conditions. If you've lucked out and chosen a good bike shop, they'll keep working with you until you and they feel the bike is a good match. You'll probably still need to go back for some tweaking. As you ride more, your position of comfort can change.

I guess what I'm stressing is that a good bike shop is very important. Of course they are in the business of selling bikes! They wouldn't exist otherwise. They also need to be in the business of taking care of their customers. Hope you find a great shop and a bike that fits your needs.

Annie

[wiseowl]

And here I thought I was the only one to have fallen during my first test ride! No one saw, but I came in bloody so they probably did the math. Most of my test rides I just left a driver's license with them and waltzed out the door with the bike and was on my own. The one time someone did watch, though, he was pretty helpful in teaching me how to start and stop on the bike better- I tried to launch to the side when stopping rather than the front.

After I said I was interested, then they put me on a trainer or someone held the bike to do the more detailed sizing. And after the real bike arrived, the same, but for longer, to do the fitting.

On the same infamous first ride I also put my helmet on backwards, though- do try NOT to do that! :o The LBS guy just beckoned me over, flipped it around, and sent me back out. Arg.

[LadyInMotion]

CC-

same story here. I had not been on a bike in many, many, many years when I decided I wanted to add cycling to my exercise regime. It took some courage to go to the LBS for test rides. I admitted to them right up front that I had not been on a bike in a long time, had no idea how the shifting worked and would have many questions for them. My LBS guy was an angel. He just laughed and said I was the best type of customer because he would not have to unteach bad habits. Then proceeded to walk me through the gearing, the test ride, what I should check, etc. First time I got on the bike, he was not steadying it, but he stood close enough that I knew I wasn't going over if it I tottered. I did not buy from them but I was grateful to him and I even wrote a short thank you note to his manager after the fact.

I don't know if it is an option for you, but I took time off work during the week for my test rides because I knew the LBS was much busier evenings and Saturdays and I wanted as few witnesses as possible. Most times during the weekday, I was only one of a few number of customers.

I have only had my bike 3 weeks and from the time I decided to buy to now, every step of progress has been a baby step. Every one of them I have documented and celebrated.

go for it!

[suzieqtwa]

I've only been riding a year ,and before that I had no memory of ever being on a bike. I'm 53 now. I remember feeling intimated going into the bike shop. I didn't know the difference between a hybrid ,and a road bike ,but my brother had told me I wanted a hybrid,so at least I had that information. I felt silly ,and uncomfortable. I didn't want to test ride it ,because I had no balance (and this was just a hybrid). I brought a girlfriend in with me who knew about bikes. I didn't know how I was supposed to feel on it etc...so I just road it a few minutes ,and bought it. I figured it out at home. I knew nothing about the gears ,and kept dropping my chain. Fast forward a year , a clip less road bike ,at least 15 falls ,and a concussion ,and I'm doing great. Still working on that saddle issue ,but I've learned sooooooooooooooooooo much from this site. Just take lots of practice. If anyone told me a year ago I would be doing a Century in a month I would have never believed it.
Good luck

[MelFel]

CC - thank you for posting this. I'm going to look at road bikes this weekend for the first time since I was about 10 years old and am also a bit intimidated.

Reading about everyone's experiences and all the encouragement has made me feel alot better. Knowing me, I will probably have at least 1 embarassing experience, but its that or don't get a bike, so....here I go.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Knowing me, I will probably have at least 1 embarassing experience, but its that or don't get a bike, so....here I go.

Just remember- we all have embarrassing experiences regularly, whether we ride bikes or not! :p ;)

[MelFel]

Lisa - very true!

I wore a wrap dress to work today, thought I tied it tight enough, realized while standing on the street corner waiting for the light to change that I was mistaken when a gust of wind came along and I gave the whole block a free show. :o

[SouthernBelle]

The first test ride I did on my current bike was in a dress and stocking feet! I did come back later and dress a little more appropriately.

[steinspinne]

Not really about a test ride but I thought I would share anyways.

My first year out of high school was spent in Berlin, Germany as a foreign exchange student. Because cycling and public transport is such a large part of the culture over there, my host parents wanted me to have a bike to ride. My host sister Birthe was out of town, so my host mother Claudia allowed me to try her bike out. What I didn't know yet, was that Birthe is almost a foot and a half taller than I am. She wheeled the bike out of the garage, and the seat was about 4 inches above my hips! I managed to hop on somehow, but when I tried to pedal, my legs were not long enough to reach so I would get one good push out, coast a few feet then fall. This happened 4 or 5 times.

Claudia felt so bad for me, thinking the poor little American girl had never learned how to ride a bike. (NTTAWWT) I tried to explain to her that the bike was too big but she just didn't understand. So she borrowed another bike from a neighbor, an old blue comfort bike probably two sizes too small this time, and had me get on it. This wasn't to remedy the size problem, but to keep me from tearing up Birthe's nice bike while she was away. It was uncomfortable, but I managed. She would send me up and down the street, then made me follow her around town before I "passed" and she thought I was "ready" to brave the trip to school.

I know that doesn't really relate to the whole LBS theme of this thread, I just wanted to illustrate that everyone gets embarrassed on a bike every now and again.

Good luck getting your new bike!

[CCinSC]

Thank you everyone for all of the encouraging and funny stories! I went to the LBS yesterday and bought my bikes! It felt like Christmas all over again. I went in for the Trek 1200 but they sold out and couldn't get anymore in so they sold me a full Carbon Raleigh Supercourse for $100 more than the Trek (it listed for $400 more)!!! According to the guy, this bike has better components than the next style of Trek and is full carbon instead of just the forks. My Mt Bike is a Raleigh 4300 and I pick that up on Wed.

Now the test ride :o He put me on the trainer clipped in and all, fit the bike to me then took me outside for the dreaded test ride! (dun, dun, dun...) I ACED IT! It was so easy, I never wobbled or even second guessed myself with unclipping. All that nervous energy and for nothing! I have to credit horses, dirt-bikes and all of you for the easy ride.

Rode last night and this morning and am in love with the sport already! Now all I need to do is get in good enough shape to ride for more than 10 minutes without needing an oxygen tank! :D

[steinspinne]

Congratulations! I'm glad to hear everything went well!

Now all we need is pictures. :D

[CCinSC]

I'll get some pic ups soon!

[RoadRaven]

Now all I need to do is get in good enough shape to ride for more than 10 minutes without needing an oxygen tank! :D

But carrying an oxygen tank with you on rides will make you REALLY strong - spesh uphills!
;)

Seriously, glad you have enjoyed it so much... did anyone tell you its an addiction?? - once you're on, you won't wanna get off!
Welcome to the forum, too