My last two bike purchases were not test ridden. The first was a super cheap online deal (1/2 price), the second was a frame I built up. I've been riding for 35 years so I know what size frame I need, so test rides were not necessary. I guess for the second one it was a leap of faith that the frame would be as nice as everyone said it was in reviews and online comments. Luckily for me it was.