Starting to test ride

[kerryhb]

I have read how important a test ride is when shopping for a new bike and I am hoping to start tomorrow. My question is, what should I actually be doing on the test ride? I am thinking varying speeds, shifting, braking, etc, as well as fit and overall comfort, but what else should I be noticing or looking for? I am currently riding my MIL's old mountain bike, so I have a pretty clear idea of what does not work for me, which I think is helpful. Does someone from the LBS come with you, or is every shop different? If you were test riding a new bike, how would you structure your ride? Total beginner here so any/all advice is very much appreciated. Thank you!

[melissam]

Hi Kerry,

The shop that I bought a couple of bikes from has a nice article about test rides -- it should answer some of your questions about what you should look for and what you should expect from the shop.

Here's the link:

http://chainreaction.com/roadbiketestrides.htm

Hope it helps, and happy shopping!

- Melissa

[Grits]

I'm new to the forum (did introduce myself in that thread), but I have recently done some test rides so thought I would share.

No one from the LBS came with me. They just told me where to ride around the shop and sent me out. (Bring your helmet. If you are going to multiple shops or anywhere after your test ride, be prepared for helmet hair). Some people suggest bringing your own saddle, if you have one you like, and even pedals, but I didn't. I had to leave a drivers license at the shop.

I spent a good while on each bike trying out the gears, finding hills to go up and down, noticing how easy it was to shift and brake, and how it felt as far as size. One sales guy said he thought I might have gotten lost on my testi ride! I would then go in and comment on what my experience was on the ride and get various comments in reply ("yeah, that one does have pretty low end gears", and "we can make it fit"). You do want to know how they do fittings - if they do fittings at all.

It was pretty easy to rule out some bikes in the first few minutes based on the test ride. Some things you aren't going to know until you're on it for 20-40 miles. I didn't ask for and don't know if a lbs will let you take a bike home for an extended test - I'm sure others will know. I think if it feels good on a good test ride - or maybe several test rides- then you can probably adjust for any discomforts that show up on longer rides, at least I have been able to.

I ended up getting a Trek 2.1 WSD which felt great on the test ride. I'm very happy with it - and it was on sale I think I have gotten the bike right where I want it now after taking it back in for a few adjustments for fit after some longer rides and fiddling with the saddle myself.

Good luck! I know you will get good advice here.

Lori

[emily_in_nc]

Taking your own saddle is actually not a bad idea. I nixed a gorgeous Trek 5200 WSD a few years back at least in part because after 5 minutes on the Bontrager saddle w/o cutout, my girly bits were very, very unhappy....and I'd been riding metrics and full centuries on my Terry Butterfly prior to that!

A bad saddle can completely ruin a ride, even a test ride!

Emily

[TxDoc]

Yes, definitely bring your favorite saddle and pedals.
As per what to look for on a test ride, the main things are FIT and PERFORMANCE. Fit is pretty self-explanatory, and will narrow your choice to a few bikes that feel really very comfortable for you to ride. And performance, just start by reading a few professional bicycle reviews and that will give you an idea of what to look at and how to judge the performance of a bicycle.
Have fun test-riding, it is always an exciting moment!

[LoriO]

Bringing your own saddle is excellent advice. I recently did bike test rides and I was so sore after riding all of the other saddles, most felt like they were hard as rocks.

Just ride everything that you can in the general price range that you can afford, even a couple out of your range just so you can compare the difference. Some bikes you can rule out right away but when you get on one that you like you will know it. I had 2 bikes that I ended up really liking out of about 8 that I tried. I went back to both shops and took each bike out for another ride and finally decided on a Giant FCR 3w.

[kerryhb]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions! I tested 3 bikes today. The first was a 2008 Trek 7.2fx, which felt good but wasn't quite right. I then rode the 2009 7.3fx, which was great! Right away I could tell it was better than the 7.2. Big difference. It seemed to fit really well after a few minor adjustments. I then rode a 2009 Specialized Sirrus, which at $499 was was $150 less than the 7.3, but I really struggled with the shifters. They were the kind that you twist with your fingertips rather than the trigger type, but it was hard for me...I felt like I couldn't get it into gear and was fumbling. Could have been because it was my first time with them, but I am wondering if I would get used to it. I still want to try the Jamis Coda and a Scott--hoping to do that tomorrow.

[elk]

ummm...the Coda is great if you want straight bars....if you want a drop bar, may I humbly suggest the Aurora?
I have one and it's an extremely easy and sweet bike to ride...very natural shifting...

[kerryhb]

I thought I wanted a straight bar, but I am hearing that as I (hopefully) progress, I will want drop bars. I just don't see myself riding in that position--not sure exactly why, just intimidated perhaps--but the bikes I have on my list for now are straight bars. Maybe I should try one with drop bars...it may not be a scary as I think!

[Grits]

I went from straight bars to drop bars with my new bike. The biggest adjustment (and most painful ) has been the difference in position on my saddle! I recently went to a stem that is angled up more to put me in a more upright position, so know that you have that option. I'm not racing the thing, so I don't need to be in such an aggressive position if it isn't comfortable. It has made a huge difference.

[elk]

you can always certainly switch the handlebars out if and when you tire of the straight bars. That's easy.

So get what your'e comfortable on. Before i bought the aurora, I almost had them fit the Coda out as a road bike with drop bars....but then an Aurora showed up.

i LOVE my Jamis bike and I dn't think i've ever met anyone who's ridden one 'who hasn't been surprised at the quality, esp for the price.

Just a little rah rah for the Coda...which is a sweet bike. And one you could hang on to for awhile.

Where's Zen? She'll tell you about the Trek FX....

[kerryhb]

On Sunday I rode the 2008 Sirrus and a Giant FCR. The shifters on the Sirrus were easier to handle than the 2009 from Saturday, but I noticed a lot of vibration from the street that I hadn't noticed before. I liked the Giant, but not as much as the Trek. I have visited or called 10+ shops looking for a Jamis, but for whatever reason no one in my area has them. They all say they can order one, but I don't see how I could order one if I have never ridden one. Same thing with Scott. So, I am going at lunch today to ride the Trek again. Maybe I will have a new bike to ride to work tomorrow!

[Kano]

street vibration, huh?

were you on chip sealed roads this time and not last time by any chance? Or, maybe more recently sealed...

Karen in Boise

[LoriO]

On Sunday I rode the 2008 Sirrus and a Giant FCR. The shifters on the Sirrus were easier to handle than the 2009 from Saturday, but I noticed a lot of vibration from the street that I hadn't noticed before. I liked the Giant, but not as much as the Trek. I have visited or called 10+ shops looking for a Jamis, but for whatever reason no one in my area has them. They all say they can order one, but I don't see how I could order one if I have never ridden one. Same thing with Scott. So, I am going at lunch today to ride the Trek again. Maybe I will have a new bike to ride to work tomorrow!

LOL, it just goes to show how different peoples taste can be. I was the total opposite, Loved the Giant and didn't like the Trek....go figure!

[kerryhb]

I bought the 2009 Trek...so excited...I am picking it up today at 3:00! THANK YOU ALL for your advice!