Test riding in your size

[velo]

I have been trying to find someplace within driving distance to test ride any of these and about 3 hours away is closest - and the dealers are in opposite directions for the different brands they carry. I haven't found an Orbea or Cervelo dealer close by. I like that this one place has many options, so if one doesn't work out for me, I can select another without losing my deposit. I have time before making any decisions - all winter, really. This will probably be the last bike like this that I buy, so I want something that makes me happy for a long time. I don't presume to say that any of these bikes are "better" than my "old" Klein... Gary Klein was way ahead of his time with aluminum design and in the industry, they are still considered fine machines. I paid nearly what my current budget is for that custom build with Campy Chorus and while it rides *differently* than carbon bikes, so far I haven't ridden a carbon bike that I would say is definitively *better*. I think that's why we are often not happy owning just one bike - because they are different. It's why I keep my steel Lemond and why I have a hybrid, etc. I'm interested in different and if I'm going to buy and ride another aggressive bike, I better do it now... not getting any younger!!

Sounds like those that are offering their opinion say go for it even if I can't ride it. That's probably what I'll have to do if I can't find any to ride in my size over the next few months. Thanks!!