Quote Originally Posted by pooks View Post
However, this test ride thing. When I test rode bikes before, nobody offered to let me go off for a few miles; it was just a matter of riding around the parking lot. Is that something they don't offer unless you ask?
Depends on the shop.

I always say you are shopping for two things; the bike AND a shop.

While signing a release or waver is to be expected, and or maybe leave them a copy of your id being limited to the parking lot is not. Sometimes though that's all it takes to know "wrong bike" or "wrong shop".

My LBS has a small very small "fleet" of loaner bikes, he's loaned me a road bike when my baby's in for a while, and I know if I wanted to test ride anything I'd be able to take it for a spin up the hill but then as Chris says "I know where you live".

Another shop I go to will special order in my size (tiny) in any bike even if I just wanted to test ride. They know they'll sell it, large base of women cyclists. Since there's no parking lot....I'd have to take it out.

These two shops I have a relationship with so they would let me ride.

When Knott and I did a pilgrimage to Rivendell they offered a test ride right off the bat. Again there's no lot so you could really ride. They had I think it was a Legolas in my size....and favorite color....I feared for my REI Visa.