Test Rides

[Miranda]

I tried to do a search on this, and the key words were all over the place. This isn't really about a specific bike, so I decided to just post here in open topic...

When you were shopping for your bike, how did you, or your lbs, handle test rides?

We have a few different lbs in the area, but finding one that has an actual bike to ride is challenging to non-existent. I think if you are an average sized man, looking for a more common bike and lesser priced, in the male-dominant sport of cycling, you have various options to ride first hand...

But, when you factor into that picture... ME, a woman, looking for a woman specific road bike, carbon, and not the most common size frame... the test ride options drop out the bottom. Of course, if the shop orders for you, they expect you to buy it (which I get the lbs spin of carrying inventory). It's a lot of $ sight unseen & untouched though.

There are some things with my current bike that bring me to a point where I want to upgrade to carbon. I've heard that the 'feel' is nothing else like it (carbon). Well... I'd like to feel it... but I need a way to do that.

TYIA for any help.
Miranda

[redrhodie]

Great question.

I had a similar situation when I was getting my bike. It's an unusual brand around here, and although my lbs could order it, it's not a stock item.

What my lbs did was set up a bike that had similar geometry (but was a different material, had a longer top tube, had Campy components) to the bike I wanted, and I test rode that. Funny thing was, I hated that bike, but based on everything I told him, my mechanic could tell that the differences in the bike I was ordering would make it perfect for me. Waiting for my bike to be built was a bit of a nail-biter because I was nervous it wouldn't be comfortable. It ended up fitting like a glove.

I think you may have to test ride several bikes that don't quite fit, that aren't the exact model you're thinking of, and try to imagine what it would feel like in the right size/material. It's pretty much what you have to do when ordering a custom bike, too. Use the best lbs, one you trust, that will take the time to look at how your current bike is set up, find out what you like and dislike about it, and work with you to find something that meets your needs. Find out what the policy is if it doesn't feel right in the end. My lbs told me I'd be able to exchange my frame if it wasn't right.

Good luck!

[tulip]

Well I flew to New Mexico to test ride a bike, so I'm probably not the best one to answer. Red has the best advice. If your bike shop won't do that for you, find one that will (and be a good customer, too!)

[Miranda]

Thx tulip and redrhodie for answering. It took me a bit to get back to this post. I was out doing some investigating locally on how I could do a test ride.

Unfortunately, I don't have a trusted relationship with a lbs. One shop did mention to me about finding a demo program out of the Mayberry area. Sorta what tulip did. Pack up for a day trip or overnight, or go ride.

Redrhodie, that is a great idea of finding what you "don't" like about a bike. Just through trial and error, I've learned some things I do not want. Putting the pieces together on what I actually do, are a bit fuzzy as of yet.

Since this post, one friend suggested contacting a brand dealer directly to find potential demos to ride...or something close to it. That might be a start.

[melissam]

Hey Miranda,

When I was looking at bikes, my LBS had to order one in my size for me to test ride. I put down a deposit of $50. I ended up buying the bike, so the $50 was taken off the selling price of the bike.

As you mentioned, the LBS is at some risk of having to carry inventory if you decide not to buy the bike. I think a reasonable deposit, which is refundable if you buy the bike, is a solution that works for both parties.

Good luck in finding your bike!

- Melissa

[Miranda]

I know this thread of mine is a bit old, but I had something happy to add, so here we go...

I made my usual weekly stop at one of my lbs (sporting goods also, they do winter ski stuff too etc.) to drewl over what bike stuff is available, or came in new, etc.

And oh my mercy! They had received a new shipment of bikes that were all lined up shiny new and pretty in a row by the front door. Ahhh... the site and smell of carbon almost made me faint. Carbon does have some type of hidden smell to road cyclist, doesn't it? Any rate...

They are going to have a demo program where you can pay a rental type of fee for specific models for a 24hour test ride. Of course I had the guy dig in the back of the shop to see if there's something close to my size. There was.

We have snow and ice now, so the test will have to wait. But the worst part was an untagged site just put together on ceiling hooks above the mechanic. Beautiful carbon in a color scheme I have been drewling over on line. Hmm, now where I can go to safely sell a kidney...