The test ride?

[lsd87]

I'm ready to buy a new bike. My LBS is a Trek and Specialized dealer and I've narrowed it down to either the Specialized Sirrus Elite or the Specialized Sequoia Expert...both 2003 models.

The issue is how do I get a decent test ride in during the winter season? I ride during the winter about 5-6 hours/wk. I know that this weather and dirty road conditions are tough on a bike.

How much can you really tell about a bike anyway from a short test ride. I bought my current bike afer a very short test ride, as I like most bikes. I think it actually took me three years to realize I didn't like it.

[mtessmer]

That's a tough one, most bike shops are not real excited to let their new bikes go out into all the slop. I recommend you wait until the weather breaks and just continue to ride the bike you dislike. Then you can take it for a more serious test ride.

[greg360]

That Sirrus Elite is one nice hybrid. That Sequoia Expert is just orgasmic, IMHO (wish I had one!).

I believe your satisfaction with the upcoming purchase depends heavily on what you want to accomplish. Are you into fast touring, a record breaking time trial, mostly fun spins that go for a cupla hours? Once you narrow down what you're gonna do, the choice of bike becomes clear... although I'm still an unabashed admirer of that new Sequoia machine...

[KnightWhoSaysNi]

If I bought a new (road) bike now I probably wouldn't want to get it dirty immediately. You could spend some time changing the setup of your current bike so you know better what you want from a new one.

[Farmer John]

cat

[Cyclepath]

Finally - proof positive that Oswald didn't do it!

[Michel Gagnon]

Could you test it in the Fall, before snow falls? That would seem ideal and that way, you will know how the bike rides. Then, once you find a bike that fits, measure clearance around the various stays, fork, etc. to make sure you can fit your Winter tire of choice and fenders (if it is for commuting).