so true. nothing compares to getting on a bike. you can look at all the specs you want, poll the forums etc. but your opinion almost certainly will change as you test ride.

Interestingly, I would bet that if you didn't test ride and you ordered a bike over the net after extensive research and recommendations, you would end up liking the bike fine.

however, if you test rode the same bike with a bunch of others, I'll bet you'd end up choosing another bike. And it could end up being a bike that's not even on your list.