Testing bikes-Etiquette

[bcipam]

I sort of have this moral thing I deal with - if I go to a shop with no intent to ever buy a bike or anything, and I make them spend alot of time showing me the bike, adjusting it, allowing me to test ride a few, but I really plan on getting hte bike someplace else, then that's just wrong (this goes for buying cars, jewelry, clothes, etc).

Here's my thought - since you are interested in buying a used bike but have no clue what you want, try your local bike club and see if folks there have bikes you have reseached and would be willing to allow you to ride it around the parking lot or something. I realize a shop doesn't have the expectation ever customer that's looking will buy but if you keep them from helping someone who would buy, that's a problem. Bike shops struggle for sales as it is.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'm with bcipam on this one. I think it's fine to test ride bikes at more than one shop with the intent that you will end up buying a bike from one of them. But I have a problem with taking the time of the folks in the shop when they don't stand a chance of selling a bike to you. Yes, it may be a subtle difference between taking test rides at multiple shops when you can only buy from one of them, but I think the intent of purchasing a bike from one of the shops makes a difference.

[redrhodie]

From my experience in retail, shop workers are happy to help (at least there's something to do!). You're not seen as wasting their time, even if you don't buy anything. If you're obviously not interested in buying anything in that store, and other people are (they're busy), wait to the side while they help the "real" customers, then go right back to looking or asking questions. Chances are, they won't be so busy that you're in the way. It looks better to have people waiting than an empty store.

[dachshund]

I'm sure you've read all the suggestions here to "ride as many bikes as possible". The LBS folks know this. I think if you find a good salesperson, they will understand what you want and get you riding those bikes. I did this recently, and I found it helpful to have them suggest some brands that I didn't know, and different prices ranges, etc. The comparison helps narrow it down. And I can't imagine they have NO used bikes for sale. Anyway, if they're good at what they do, they'll feel confident they can sell you their bike, and will keep at it until you either leave or buy something.

And I wondered the same thing, intially - "won't they be bothered if I want to ride lots of bikes??" Consider car-buying: you spend an afternoon driving vehicles that cost thousands. I've never thought twice about that.

[RoadRaven]

If it helps... when we are on the look out for a new steed for the stable, we make it very clear to the 4 LBS' that we are genuinely interested in purchasing, and we look for the best deal, most helpful service etc etc.

They all know us well now... with 6 riders in this family of 7, we have quite a few bikes in the shed...

I think as long as they know you are a genuine purchaser, and they are aware you are shopping around, then it is fine to try as many bikes, from as many places, as you feel like.

It is up to them to make their range the best choice for you.

To spread the spending around, and ensure good relations are maintained between us and all the shops, we purchase small items from all of them... spokes, recovery drink, new stems, seat posts etc etc

Just be open and honest, and if a shop seems grumpy with you because you are exercising your right to shop around, then don't go back there.


Wishing you LOADS of FUN...

[sarahkonamojo]

When I bought my bike last fall. I knew I was going to buy a new bike, hopefully, from a local store. I went to as many stores and test rode as many bikes as I could. Eventually, at one specific LBS, I paid for a fitting ($75) that was deducted from the price of the bike if I purchased from them. (I did.) Very happy with the purchase.

I wouldn't buy a bike on ebay. If you were very familiar with bikes, different models/makes, sizing, and had the tools/time required to wrench a bike, then eBay would be the place. You wouldn't really need an LBS anyway. But to think you are somehow going to undercut the LBS? They might not be in business the next time you need a test ride/repair/overhaul. I also see nothing wrong with looking for the best price and service and haggling about it.

For me, it was about service, fitting the bike, and feeling comfortable about the process. Sure you pay for it, but it is worth it.

SKM

[farrellcollie]

I rode bikes at 3 lbs - they all carried different brands of bikes and I wanted to try several different brands before deciding. I think they understood that.