Dangerous test ride?
#1
self-righteous hypocrite
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dangerous test ride?
Sorry if this has been covered before. My search for “retention” turned up nothing like this.
So I went out shopping with a friend recently. She decided that she wanted to get herself a fixed gear bike so went out to test ride a few. We went to the shops (2 of them that will go un-named for now) and explained to the folks there that my friend had never ridden a fixed gear before and would like to try a few out to see what would be best for her. The folks at the shop were friendly and happy to oblige. So Far so good. Here’s the part that I’m having trouble with.
They sent her out for a test ride on a brakeless bike with no pedal retention whatsoever.
I asked for the rationale behind this and got the explanation that most people already have their own pedals , or have some in mind when they buy a bike. Ok, fair enuff, the pedals that come with most otr bikes are pretty crappy and will most likely be one the first upgrades made. But doesn’t it make sense to just throw a pair of crap clips on there too. I mean, sending people who have just told you that they’ve never ridden a brakeless bike before out on a bike with no retention system just seems like a really bad idea…..
Is it just me?…Is this standard practice?
Just curious
Thanks
So I went out shopping with a friend recently. She decided that she wanted to get herself a fixed gear bike so went out to test ride a few. We went to the shops (2 of them that will go un-named for now) and explained to the folks there that my friend had never ridden a fixed gear before and would like to try a few out to see what would be best for her. The folks at the shop were friendly and happy to oblige. So Far so good. Here’s the part that I’m having trouble with.
They sent her out for a test ride on a brakeless bike with no pedal retention whatsoever.
I asked for the rationale behind this and got the explanation that most people already have their own pedals , or have some in mind when they buy a bike. Ok, fair enuff, the pedals that come with most otr bikes are pretty crappy and will most likely be one the first upgrades made. But doesn’t it make sense to just throw a pair of crap clips on there too. I mean, sending people who have just told you that they’ve never ridden a brakeless bike before out on a bike with no retention system just seems like a really bad idea…..
Is it just me?…Is this standard practice?
Just curious
Thanks
#2
Heck yes.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Phila-ila-delphia
Posts: 426
Bikes: Saint Tropez, Shogun
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That sound pretty dumb, simply from an insurance perspective. I'm no legal scholar, but I would imagine that you could get some legal action going on if your friend was hurt when riding the bike.
Also not to bright from a sales perspective. Riding brakeless isn't exactly the most comfortable first experience on a fixed gear, so why would you want to buy something that scares you. I mean, unless you're that hip.
As to it being standard practice, I know the shop by me has two brakes on all the otr fixed gears they sell.
Also not to bright from a sales perspective. Riding brakeless isn't exactly the most comfortable first experience on a fixed gear, so why would you want to buy something that scares you. I mean, unless you're that hip.
As to it being standard practice, I know the shop by me has two brakes on all the otr fixed gears they sell.
#3
F'ing A
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SJ
Posts: 321
Bikes: 08 tommaso augusta, 88 specialized sirrus, random cruisers and stuff
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That seems nuts to me. The pedal situation is not as bad as the bike being brakeless. If someone told me they have never ridden fixed before and I had to choose between the right pedals or a front brake Im definitely sending them out on a bike with a brake. Its not like they can skid stop so the pedals are not going to save them. Ideally the bike should have toe clips and a front brake.
#4
:jarckass:
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nashville
Posts: 6,562
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Dude is SF. Theyve been riding fixed gear bikes brakeless since Teddy Roosevelt was in office.
Its Mash country.
Its Arrospok country.
Its risers and skids up your freewheel having asses.
DuH!
Its Mash country.
Its Arrospok country.
Its risers and skids up your freewheel having asses.
DuH!
#5
slot machine
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Richmond, Va
Posts: 482
Bikes: fuji and a Meteor
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What sort of test ride did they send her on? Did they push her down a hill? If she was just cruising around a parking lot or some non-threatening environment, then it really wouldn't be an issue. What type of bike was it? Street fix or a track bike?
#6
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 44
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i know what bike shops you're talking about...it's basically all of them in sf.
pretty ******** that they don't put clips on when you try out a bike. yeah i get that it's a pain in the butt for a bike shop to put them on just for a test ride...but how else you supposed to get a real feel for a brakeless bike?
pretty ******** that they don't put clips on when you try out a bike. yeah i get that it's a pain in the butt for a bike shop to put them on just for a test ride...but how else you supposed to get a real feel for a brakeless bike?
#8
Frozen in carbonite
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 805
Bikes: '85 Full Cycle Cycle.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If she'd never ridden fixed, maybe platforms in the parking lot would be the safest thing for her anyway.
Did you ask them to put some clips on before she went out?
Did you ask them to put some clips on before she went out?
#9
jooseyo
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: The Holy City
Posts: 563
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#10
Champion of Simplicity
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Livermore, Ca
Posts: 26
Bikes: Redline Metro Classic, Trek 4500 mtb, Giant Cyprus DX(for the wife)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My first (and only) test ride on a fixed was where the shop owner asked if I had ridden a fixed before and when I said no, he said "you break it you buy it" half joking. It was a Pista with no breaks and regular pedals. I'm glad it was a wide empty street.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 256
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It reminds me about a certain scooter shop that refused to stock protective gear because they were selling "the scooter lifestyle" which apparently means that scooters must be ridden in shorts and t-shirts.
#12
self-righteous hypocrite
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maybe the way sent her out was the best way to go for a first timer. And maybe it’s simply how it’s done. I don’t know. Hence, my stating what happened and that that it “seems like” a bad idea…to me… and asking the opinions of others instead of simply posting a rant accusing anybody of “foul” behavior.
To answer the other posts, yes there was a parking lot down the block and the bike was a Pista
Thanks for your input.
#15
Blue Light Special
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bay Area, Sunny Cali
Posts: 1,467
Bikes: '05 Felt F55, Schwinn Prologue road bike, '86 Centurion DS Iron Man, Sette Flite AM MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Putting a first time fixed gear rider on a brakeless platform pedal bike is insane...The LBS here (guess which one it is) that sells the Windsor Hour will give out helmets if you ask, and their track bike offerings all come standard with clips+straps. My first fixed ride was when I took the Windsor bike out for a spin around the block, and even with the clips+straps (which I kept loose because I didn't want to be taken down with the bike should I fall) it was still scary riding around with no brakes.
Did the LBS even offer a helmet? I always ask one when I do a test ride, because the whole point of a test ride is to go fast, practice quick turns, stop quickly and in general do things that are dangerous, so that you can get a feel for the bike's capabilities.
Did the LBS even offer a helmet? I always ask one when I do a test ride, because the whole point of a test ride is to go fast, practice quick turns, stop quickly and in general do things that are dangerous, so that you can get a feel for the bike's capabilities.
#16
self-righteous hypocrite
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 854
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Miyata 310 (conversion)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
But yes, a brake probably should of been installed for a first time/test ride
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Santa Barbara
Posts: 1,506
Bikes: SE Quadrangle, '82 Venus NJS, '03 Bianchi Pista, '86 P'sonic Mt Cat, Fat City Yo Eddy '91 + '93, B'cuda A2E, '86 Trek Elance 400, '88 Centurion D.Scott Expert, '88 Fisher Mt Tam (and no longer with me: SE OM Flyer, Umezawa/B-stone/Samson NJS)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
my first fixed gear ride was at the parking lot of a shop and was also a pista.
no brake, clipless pedals, and me in sneakers (Ha--platforms would have been great). they warned me about pedal strike and not to get up to too much speed and let me have at it. I understood what I was in for and rode VERY cautiously, mostly checking out the fit and feel of the bike.
after I bought it they rigged up a front brake and I rode down a long long hill home, then put on some old mtb pedals.....
yeah, I can see how the shop was a maybe bit too hands-off, but I also like personal responsibility. we talked about the dynamics for a while before I rode. I wonder if they (the OP's shop) gave his friend the benefit of the doubt because she was with an experienced rider?
no brake, clipless pedals, and me in sneakers (Ha--platforms would have been great). they warned me about pedal strike and not to get up to too much speed and let me have at it. I understood what I was in for and rode VERY cautiously, mostly checking out the fit and feel of the bike.
after I bought it they rigged up a front brake and I rode down a long long hill home, then put on some old mtb pedals.....
yeah, I can see how the shop was a maybe bit too hands-off, but I also like personal responsibility. we talked about the dynamics for a while before I rode. I wonder if they (the OP's shop) gave his friend the benefit of the doubt because she was with an experienced rider?
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Athens, Ohio
Posts: 1,568
Bikes: Fuji Track, Half built 70s Azuki
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First time I rode fixed was on a Fuji Track that was too big(which i quickly found out) in the parking lot of the bike shop. It was brakeless, but the guy from the store came and watched me(maybe for his own entertainment).
#20
ass hatchet
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,284
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Most every shop I've been to-- in three states, no less-- asks that you at least use a shop helmet for any test ride. I've also been warned about the superior stopping power of V-brakes...though that was a few years ago...
I once had a friend try my (brake-equipped) fixie in a parking lot, and he was so freaked out about pedal strike that he nearly panicked and crashed when it was time to turn. I could see that happening to a customer every now and then.
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
a while back a friend of mine bought his first fixed gear and was asking me about it.
i looked it over because he said he couldn't get the chain to fit on the fixed side of the flip-flop hub.
i checked it out, turns out it had a 3/32 chain ring, 3/32 free wheel and 1/8 fixed with a 3/32 chain.
to top it off the fixed sided had no lockring. he paid a few hundred dollars for the thing.
i went back and asked the shop and they didn't know any different. said that's how it came in.
i gave him an old lockring and cog , all is good.
i looked it over because he said he couldn't get the chain to fit on the fixed side of the flip-flop hub.
i checked it out, turns out it had a 3/32 chain ring, 3/32 free wheel and 1/8 fixed with a 3/32 chain.
to top it off the fixed sided had no lockring. he paid a few hundred dollars for the thing.
i went back and asked the shop and they didn't know any different. said that's how it came in.
i gave him an old lockring and cog , all is good.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 670
Bikes: Bianchi Axis (commuter), Specialized Tricross S-Works, BMC Team Machine SLT01, Mercier Kilo TT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just my .02.. If she was interested in a fixed gear.. why not test one that comes with brakes already installed? Or.. since you are her friend.. has she test rode your fixed gear? It's good to have a heads up on what to expect before going to the LBS shopping for a fixed gear without brakes.
#23
Senior Member
I think it seems a little silly to say that least that she decided that she had to have a "fixed gear" before ever riding one...
There are a lot of wonderful options out there for people and different cycling needs.
There are a lot of wonderful options out there for people and different cycling needs.
#24
self-righteous hypocrite
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just my .02.. If she was interested in a fixed gear.. why not test one that comes with brakes already installed? Or.. since you are her friend.. has she test rode your fixed gear? It's good to have a heads up on what to expect before going to the LBS shopping for a fixed gear without brakes.
#25
self-righteous hypocrite
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts