Testing bikes-Etiquette

[Trek420]

Plantlover,

My $0.02 is that when buying a bike you are buying 2 things:

the frame-you're "stuck" with that....till you buy the next bike that is. Over time you'll replace lots of stuff, tires, seat, purple cow spot bar tape but you're stuck with the frame.

a shop you like and trust. Is there a shop near you that sells used bikes? A couple of them do here.

I know you've read a lot but good article here:
http://www.velogirls.com/resources/publications/buy.htm

I feel it's important to be honest in cycling...and life 8-)

State what you're doing right up front including both that you are trying bikes out and also your approx. budget. Watch how the shop responds. It's part of the "audition to be your bike shop" process.

I have seen my wrench spend lots of time with customers who can not find a bike at his shop in their range, his line is well....kinda pricey. But he'll take the time explain what to look for, make recomendations, referrals, tips to get more for their money with the reccomendation that whatever they get .... bring it to him for upkeep.

He treats a customer with a box store bike with the same care as pricey bikes.

Thats why I go there.

What I highly object to and I see this a lot, we've had this debate endlessly on the AIDS Lifecycle board. We have to support our bike shops and community they give back so much and ultimately save you money.

Don't spend your LBS time and energy to find the make model and size of "your" bike....just to go buy it on Craigs, E-bay.

Is it unfair that some can do that because we know what fits? I don't think so. There are associated risks with buying online, you risk the "bad karma" that comes with a hot bike and even if you know your fit there are no gaurantees. And trust me, I've spent plenty of time and money to know I ride a 47 cm with the following angles....but I would always buy at a shop even if it means having "less bike".

I forget who said to me "I would never buy a bike from someone I can't go and kick in the b***"