Things you wish someone had told you

[Owlie]

Agreed. I tested a Giant FCR out at one shop, and the guy watched me pedal around the parking lot for five minutes. Two years later, same shop: I tried out a Dolce and a CAAD10. They let me do as long a test ride as I wanted (provided I stayed in the general area of the shop, of course), and pretty much said "Have fun!" Of course, it helped that I left everything there except my wallet (I don't compromise on having ID with me on the road!).

[ny biker]

I should add that the reason I went for the long test ride was because the bike had a compact double and I wanted to make sure it would work for me on hills. I told the LBS manager I'd like to try it on a specific hill that he includes on his weekly shop rides, and he said yes.

I got my first road bike from the same people but at their original store location (they have two now) and I didn't ride it for that long but they did encourage me to ride in a nearby residential neighborhood that had some hills.

I think having some variety in terrain is important, so you can see if the gears shift well and if they are sufficient for your needs. (Unless you live in a really flat area, in which case I guess you test riding in a headwind vs a tailwind??)

[girlontheroad]

I would second all of that. When I bought my Lexa SLX I should have ridden it longer. Interestingly I think the shop was more than willing to let me ride as long as I wanted and pointed me in the direction of a hill to try it on. He seemed surprised that I came back so soon. However, I didn't know what the expectations were--so that might be something you want to ask before you take the bike out. I think my bike may be too big for me, but for now it feels fine so I'm going with it, so definitely take time to make a decision and don't buy the first one you try, but you sound like you are already on that road...good luck!!

[Owlie]

-Don't listen to your SO. He/she is not the same person as you, so their recommendations won't necessarily work for you.
-Buy the nice bike. Entry-level bikes are fine...until you outgrow them.
-Cycling is addictive.

[deanywalker21]

Spend time listening to how the shop folks talk with the customers. I had done a test ride while on vacation and then ordered the bike from the local Trek dealer. I will never buy another bike from them. Found the folks to be rude and not very helpful. I also had one of their sales people insult my Giant FCR 1 (which has been the love of my life). When I picked up my MTB they pretty much pushed me out the door with it. Never unlocked the shocks, etc. I will likely never buy another Trek because of my experience with that shop. Lucky for me we have two other bike shops that I love to visit and have found to be very helpful.