Originally Posted by
pocky
I don't think I'll do that, because the procedure you suggest feels like "abusing" local bike shops. I have many friends who work in local bike shops, so I may be able to pull some favors, but in general, I would not advocate doing what you suggest. I can always offer to the shop to be able to match the price I was able to find online, but I would not go into the shop and test-ride their stuff unless I seriously intended to give them my business, or unless I intend to make a significant non-bike purchase at the shop while I'm there to compensate them for the use of the test-riding service which they provide (and eBay does not).
I have nothing against eBay -- I bought my tandem on eBay after paying to rent a tandem at a brick-and-mortar shop and tipping the shop guy generously -- but I would prefer to use manufacturer demo days to try to do this same process, but the demo days are certainly fewer and further between.
I think you are misunderstanding my point. I suggested going to try as many bikes as possible. I never said don't buy from a bike shop. In my case I was seriously considering a new bike, but could not find a shop that could get me what I wanted. Demo days only stop by once a year or so and dont work with my travel schedule. I purchase plenty of items and services from the my LBS. If all a shop wants me to do is buy a bike from them then they are not going to get my business. I do try new bikes and buy frames and parts, tunes etc.
I was hoping to give you options not be judged.
But to each his own.