Test Rides

[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...