Orange Gato

I'm new. I wanted a bike so after some research I decided on a hybrid, the Jamis Coda Sport. I'm going to my LBS in 1-2 hours to hopefully buy it. Since this bike is not thousands of dollars, is it even worth going on a 5 minutes test ride in the parking lot of the LBS? Maybe just for basic fit, seat height?

cloozoe

Sure, why not? Admittedly you won't learn much about whether you'll grow to like/dislike it more over time, but, as you say, it'll give you a basic idea as to whether it's in the ball bark regarding fit and you can tweak it as you go along. Since I assume you don't have any basis for comparison, no, you won't get much of a feel for whether the overall comfort, geometry, etc. suits you more or less than another, comparable bike, but hey; you've got to start somewhere. Nice bike, by the way.

Orange Gato

Yes, I need to get on a bike. Need to ride w/ my 2 kids for fun, need to ride on my own and lose weight. So I figured, research done, just buy it.

naplesvin64

Yes, test ride was totally worth it for me. As you said, they adjusted the seat and everything to my specs and i got to try a couple of bikes before I was sold. I was caught between getting a road bike or something more comfortable/fitness oriented. Once I rode the TREK 7.4 FX around the parking lot I was sold. Though. I noticed I didn't pick up on the seat discomfort until I really got home and out more than a couple miles.

wphamilton

It's worth it to check that everything is working right and adjusted right. It won't tell you much about how the bike will feel in actual use.

Wilfred Laurier

Yes and no.

If done properly, you can get an idea of fit, and if the shop is keen, use the opportunity to adjust things and see how good the fit can be. This probably requires multiple short test rides with a quick consultation and adjustments made in between.

However, many test rides are not done like this. People are encouraged to take either a different model in the same size, or, even ridiculouser, the same model in a different size. The former might be able to give you an idea of fit, but not of anything else. The latter tells the potential buyer nothing useful at all.
Also, people basing a decision to not purchase a bike based on the fact that the brakes squeal a bit on the floor model, or the front shifting is not quite perfect, might be disqualifying a bike that is otherwise a better choice based on a very minor detail that is easily remedied by the shop.
However, as I have said many times on these forums and elsewhere, most mass manufactured bikes are made by the same contract manufacturers using the same proven components from reputable companies, so unless the fit of the bike is wrong, it is difficult to make a truly bad purchase.

PepeM

Test rides are very useful for comparing different models (and the quality of service of different shops). If you are already decided on one model it is still worth trying it, just to make sure you don't actually dislike it for some reason. I would make sure they at least put you on a trainer and adjust your seat and handlebar to an appropriate position before the test ride too.

Juan Foote

I would say it's most important to test ride the exact bike (model at least) that you are looking to purchase. One of the 'nifty tricks' of shops is to have a better model available for test ride with significant parts differences or even frame weight.

MZilliox

always test ride. how else do yo know how it fits? the shop should be willing to make changes, swap saddles, stems, seatposts, so its fits you.

Retro Grouch 

Since you're buying from an LBS why not?

You might not be able to tell if everything is right from a 5 minute test ride, but you'll be able to tell if the bike is seriously wrong.

Gyrine

I don't see how a short test ride will confirm fit, especially if you are new to biking and do not know how your body will work on a bike. If you are in the ballpark on basic bike size, then you can be fitted to it properly. Nonetheless, for me I found a test ride comparing models was very informative re bike handling... and the close confines of a parking lot are perfect for testing this. Because there is no quantitative standard between manufacturers for "stiffness" and other factors that have a huge impact on handling (steering) there is no way to tell if the bike is too "twitchy" or overly responsive for you. I wanted a performance/endurance type bike and the first bike I rode in this category was way out of my league - I would just think about turning and away I went. The next model down was perfect. And when I went back to pick up the bike, then and only then I was properly fitted.

Gresp15C

I would test ride the bike you're actually planning on buying. For one thing, it might avoid your first trip back to the shop for adjustments or tightening that one last nut.

Involve the shop -- ask them to demonstrate all of the bike's features, how to know that it fits, and to walk you through the basic daily and weekly maintenance checks, such as whether the brakes and gears are adjusted properly. Innocent questions could be like: "How will I know if the brakes or gears need adjustment?"

By the way, that looks like a nice bike. Looking at this picture:

JAMIS BICYCLES

Do you see how the stem points downward a bit? You might find that flipping the stem over, so it points upward, will be a more comfortable ride. I am only guessing this due to your previous posts about riding with kids, etc. That's something the shop can do for you in a jiffy -- presumably for free as it involves no extra parts and they are eager to make a sale.

fietsbob

Order From a Online seller and You have to ship it Back if you dont like It.

Want Jamis You Have to find a Jamis Dealer..

MRT2

IMO, test rides are not overrated. Take your time and test ride at least a couple of bikes. I think the Coda Sport is a fine bike, but it needs to fit you.

Stucky

The real value of a test ride, is to compare differences between various makes and models of bikes.

Have you tried riding other hybrids? Compare, say, 4 or 5 different hybrids, and one may just "jump out" at you as being far superior- i.e. you may just like the way it rides and feels better than the others.

JonathanGennick 

I would take the test ride since you are there anyway. If there is something grossly uncomfortable about the bike, five minutes might help you spot it.

Short test rides can also be helpful in comparing different trim levels. For example, you could compare the Coda Sport with the Coda Elite to get a feel for what the extra money would buy you. Although this is a dangerous game if your budget is already set. LOL.

naplesvin64

This^ Went in wanting the TREK FX 7.3 , left with the 7.4 for a couple hundred more

Orange Gato

Yes I tried riding a few hybrids. I liked steel better than aluminum. Some shops had testers that were 2 years old though. Or wrong size....

cafzali

I"m surprised that some shops act strange to hear you want to take a test ride. I asked to do that when I bought my TCR Advanced SL3 and they were surprised, although they did accommodate me, even tossing on the right pedals. But to me, when I'm dropping that kind of coin, I want a test ride and should be able to have one. I ended up buying the bike and love it.

CliffordK

Hardly anything I buy works. And, it is usually across town to get there. So I usually know if I want the bike before I get there. And, I'll tune it up and adjust the seat and etc later.

I did decide to adjust the seat on the Bike Friday before I bought it since the seller said it is for individuals 6' and over, and I was only 5'10. But, dropped the seat, and it was fine. I only rode it for a couple of pedal strokes in the garage since it was at the top of a hill, and I had gotten tired getting there.

However, you are heading to the bike shop to buy the bike. At least a quick fit should be expected, and assuming you truly intend to buy the bike, they should be able to adjust the seat, bars, etc. And, ride it long enough to know if they've missed something like brake adjustment.

Hangtownmatt

I would never decide on a bike without a test ride, but than again I've been riding all my life and I know what I want. My last test ride lasted 4 hours ... not 5 minutes. For someone who doesn't have much experience, I'd suggest shopping for a local bicycle shop rather than a specific make/model. Find a shop you can trust that has been around and will continue to be around. Let them know what type of riding you will be doing now and in the future, and how much you have to spend. Build a relationship, use their experience, and put the happy camper responsibility in their court. If you walk in and say "I want bike X", and down the road you aren't happy ... whose fault is that?

Hangtownmatt

I went through a period where I was test riding bikes on a regular basis. I really wasn't in the market but was always in search of that perfect fit. At the time my kids were both competitive swimmers and we were traveling all over California. When I had free time I visited the local bike shops. I never had a problem getting test rides. Everyone was accommodating. I simply left my drivers license in their possession and took off.

Little Darwin

I wouldn't buy any vehicle without at least a cursory test ride... Admittedly a bicycle is a less costly risk than a car, but that doesn't mean I would buy one without at least a short ride.

CliffordK

So, how was the test ride?

Is the bike at home in the garage yet?

Orange Gato

CliffordK, the test ride was good. Seat adjustment made, nothing else. Loved the bike and bought the one I rode. Picked up a helmet, ordered a car rack and rode with my kids.