Is that you do it for 20 minutes, and it generally gives me an erroneous impression that changes after I own the bicycle. This has happened a couple of times. So I do test ride the bicycle, but I go more by researching the opinions of current owners both on-line and anecdotally with local owners that I meet racing and riding.

My LBS opinion counts too, they don't steer me wrong. They sell Cannondale, Scott and Cervelo. I think they're all great racing bikes, but they are pushing the Cervelo. I do believe them based on my other research (Carbon Soloist). My good pal and long time racing/riding companion Don loves his 2008 Soloist SLC.

The only opinion that really counts is your own. You need to try something like this: 3rd nature demo program

20 minutes? They don't trust you to keep it overnight? Say they take a credit card number and hold it in case you don't return or damage the bike. Wouldn't that be enough? That's just not long enough to really get a good feel for a bike, IMO.

A 20 minute test ride? That's not a test ride.

I tend to prefer building (assembling) my own bikes, so the only real variable is going to be the frameset. I am not convinced that there is much of a difference between high-quality framesets as long as the geometry is somewhat similar. All of my bikes are aluminum, so frameset material does not come into play (yet).

Personally, I look for a frameset from a reputable builder that meets the needs of the type of bike I am making, and then choose based on cost, potential resale value, and appearance. I don't expect that test-riding would be of much use, since it would require too much time and too many adjustments of the saddle, stem, steering tube height etc.

Given the three choices indicated above I expect I would just buy a CAAD9 frame for road. If they are available, I would look at a Cervelo TT frame, but their cost is higher than I feel it should be.

The last time I bought a new bicycle, I test-rode it over a varied terrain for about an hour. The dealer is about 60miles from me, and he and I agreed over the phone that I can come over with my wheelset and saddle to use in test-riding the bike. I also took my pedals, riding shoes, jersey and bibs. It worked very well, as I put the bike through its paces. I wanted to get a feel for frame stiffness, handling qualities etc, and I was not disappointed.

I came back from the road test, and paid for the bike. Of course, I had done some research over the web regarding previews and owner-satisfaction etc.

I don't know if other dealers can or would allow this kind of extended test-ride, but I was really grateful this particular dealer allowed it.

Regards,

It wouldn't matter. I form my impressions on a bike over a week or so. And they do change after the first day or two.

I agree, when I bought my last bike this summer the shop let me keep it for a week before making a decision. Granted it was an 07 closeout, but still for something that expensive a 20 minute test ride isn't enought. At least in my opinion.

3rd party opinions can be helpful, but mostly if the tester is the same fitness level and body size as you. A complaint about frame being too flexy may not apply if that person is significantly taller or heavier or stronger than you.

Test rides...
In my neck of the woods you'd think
anything over a 54cm frame is a custom spec.
Forget about having a 58cm in stock...