The best way to test a bike before buying

[trinovi]

Hello

I'm considering buying a Tri-bike, but I've never ridden one before. It isn't easy to get a test ride in the small town where I live, because none of the LBSs here stock them and no one I know has one. There is one shop fairly close that carries the bike I want to test out, but I imagine that they will only let me take the bike up the street or around the block at best. I would like to take a tri/time trial bike on a tri-distance/time-trial-distance ride to see how it compares over the long haul with my road bike, but that seems almost impossible. If it is not impossible, then what is the best way to arrange it? If it is impossible, what is the best way to thoroughly test a new bike before buying?

Thank you so much

[ZackJones]

Call the shop that has the bike that you are considering. Explain your situation and ask them what their test ride policy is. They may let you take it for a little longer test ride.

[trinovi]

Thanks. I called the shop and they very enthusiastically said they would let me rent the bike (with rental wheels substituted in) for a full day for a reasonable price (around $40). Not bad considering its about a $2000 bike (I figure anyone who has $2000 to spend on a bike has $40 to test it first). What's more, if I buy the bike they will deduct the price of any rentals. Good to know!

[ZackJones]

trinovi: That sounds like a great shop to deal with. Which bike are you considering?

[trinovi]

I was most seriously considering a Cervelo Dual (which isn't $2000), but recently got turned on to another company called Griffen (who has a bike around $2000 that I'm interested in). It seems like they, like Cervelo and Quintana Roo, are approaching bike manufacturing from the triathlon/TT angle, much moreso than the established road bike companies, although I hear the Specialized Transition is good. I'm zeroing in on those three companies (Cervelo, QR, and Griffen), and maybe I'll take the Transition out for a ride, too. Any experiences (good or bad) with any of those companies? If not, what do you like?

[the_ool]

I have a few friends who ride Griffens for tris and say they absolutely love it. I guess it is just a really fast bike. On top of that, they are really cool looking. I've been considering getting one myself, but I will probably have a hard time parting with my Specialized S works (even though its a road bike).

[audiojan]

If you're in the $2k price range, you should also take a look at Kestrel Talon. Very comfortabel and fast (well, with me as an engine, reasonably fast...) full carbon. The aero seat post (which is a bit heavy, but very functional) allows you to switch from road to tri geometry (moving the saddle forward or backwards).

[trinovi]

Oh, hehe, did I say the Griffen was $2000? I meant $5000. Sorry 'bout that :rolleyes: . It is the sweetest looking bike of all I've seen. There is no temptation at all for me to buy a Lamborghini Murcielago because it costs 350,000 dollars. A bicycle that costs $5,000 and looks as sweet in the bike world as the Murcielago does in the exotic sports car world, however, is a lot more tempting because there are almost as many zeroes on my bank statement balance as there are on the Griffen's pricetag. Just one small loan...

I guess I should try a tri-bike first tho', huh? :)