Originally Posted by
MitchellH
That said, I was more than willing to leave a cc number for the privilege of borrowing a used bike for a day. It would seem to me that a shop would have a lot more to gain by having a loaner program for newbies like me than not.
I disagree. Shops have much more to gain by NOT having a "loaner program". If you ride a fixed gear bike for a few hours or so (which is realistically how much you would put into it in 24 hours) you will still feel uncomfortable and not convinced to buy one. Where as if they won't loan you a bike you will be more inclined just to pull the trigger and make the purchase.
Having a "loaner program" is not a good idea (from a financial perspective for the shop).