No need for a test ride.

My two most recent road bicycles were 1) custom built and 2) built from the frame up.

I took measurements from the custom built bicycle and was able to choose a frame for the second bicycle I knew would work for me.

Rowan is building me a touring bicycle, and again ... the measurements of the custom bicycle have been useful in determining that the frame is the right size.


(The "Measurement" thread I started: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...f-Measurements goes into a bit more detail of what measurements people are taking of their bicycles so that they can determine not only a good frame size, but also know how to set their next bicycle up to fit)


That said ... if you're ever given the opportunity to ride another bicycle ... take it! One of the reasons I decided to go with a steel framed bicycle years ago was because I borrowed a steel bicycle to ride for about 10 days in England. I liked it ... and not long after, I ordered my custom bicycle.