Here's why I think test rides are overrated for a $1000+ bike:

- Stem length and height are individual things that make a huge difference in comfort and handling. Unless the shop is willing to fit you and configure the stem to meet your fit before you do the test ride, you're wasting your time during the test ride.

- The typical test ride lasts 5 minutes. My typical bike ride is 2 hours. What seems comfortable after 5 minutes might not be after 2 hours (and vice versa).

- Seat height, fore-aft position, and style are all individual things that make a huge difference in comfort and bike feel. You shouldn't decide whether or not you like a particular bike based on the seat it comes with, especially if the shop hasn't taken the time to match the height and fore-aft position to your particular anatomy. Even so, if the seat doesn't fit your "sit bones" then you're getting a negative view of the bike based on the seat. Also, a padded seat might seem comfortable for 5 minutes but might be unbearable during a 5 hour ride.

I will say that one benefit of a test ride is that you get a feel for the component group used on that bike.

--Steve