Road Cycling - test rides

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : test rides

StreetDragon
12-02-03, 11:17 AM
I've been commuting for about 2 months now, and I'm considering getting a road bike eventually. I've read several posts from others asking what bike they should get, and it sounds like taking long test rides and see what works best for you is the main thing. My question is, how does that work? If I go into a LBS are they usually willing to let me take off on the bike for a few miles? Is that normal?

Allen H
12-02-03, 11:51 AM
Yes - if they're the kind of place you want to do business with, at least. Most LBSs require you to leave your driver's license and/or a credit card while you take the bike for a ride - some even recommend a nearby route to "test" it on, depending on location.

Other key thing: the LBS should also make sure the bike fits you, by taking some preliminary measurements to "size" you for a bike to demo (if you don't already know your size). Then most will also do a more detailed fitting when/if you're serious about a specific bike to make sure everything's fine-tuned for you (stem length, seat height, etc., and to make sure a different size frame wouldn't be better for you).
timmhaan
12-02-03, 01:18 PM
I just got a new road bike a couple of weeks ago. I'm pretty new to road bikes so I didn't know a whole lot going in. But the guys at the shop I bought at spent about 2 and half hours with me one day. I rode a bunch of models, different sized frames, set ups, etc. I learned a lot and am confident I got the best bike for me. Fit really is everything! My advice is to go during a slow time, ask a lot of questions, and ride a bunch of bikes (even ones that are hopelessly out of your price range), it is a fun experience. Good luck!

Tim

shokhead
12-02-03, 04:39 PM
They should ask for your DL and give you a helmet to wear and sometimes they will ride along with you.They should adjust it so it fits close.After you test ride,go to roadbikereview and see what they say after having the bike for awhile.I liked mine better then the LeMond.I test road the lemond as soon as they opened,then went to performance and test road my fuji and went back and did the lemond again and went back and did the fuji and then i was sure.All within about 4 hours.