Yea seems alot like buying a car right? No Mazda's at the Ford dealership.

Essentially that is the way it works. Bike shops make deals with various manufacturers so you have to shop around (literally). Often certain manufacturers don't have much of a presence in certain areas. I think the nearest Orbea dealer to me is about 90min away.

As for the test rides. It can vary. In some cases, such as your OCR example, ride the correct size in the different model. For basic fit and feel, an OCR3 and OCR2 are going to be pretty close. I have an OCR3 and my buddy has an OCR1. As far as fit/feel honestly they are pretty close. This is probably a common problem. I had that just about everywhere. But riding the correct size in a similar model is "close enough" to start out with IMO.

If you get serious about buying a bike. Say you decide you really want the OCR2. Then you can go back to the shop and talk to them about it. Some shops will order the size, with a small security deposit, but ultimately if you don't like it they won't charge you. Some are not as nice and you are just plain screwed etc.

Basically it is ALOT like buying a car. On that initial test drive you may often try something "close" but not exactly what you want. But once you get to the point of wanting to buy the dealer will find the exact model you want and let you test ride it before you sign on the dotted line.

-D