In my shop, I can take a test ride before I buy and I don't have to leave my drivers license or cc with them. I've been a customer for years and they trust me to come back with it.

Same with me. They also asked if I had enough warm clothes on to take a long ride and offered me some to wear.

threads too long to actually read through, but at my LBS when it comes to road bikes (now this is serious buyers...not those looking for something to do for an hour) they sit down with you and actually have a conversation with you about yourself and what you want to accomplish from a bike. Questions such as:
- what is your price range?
- how many miles a week are you wanting to ride?
- how many miles would you do in a ride?
- planning on racing?
-height? weight? measurements stuff
etc. etc. etc.
then once they have filled out the "bike survey" (which is quite long, but precise) on you, they begin to actually do measurements and "fit" you.

A friend of mine just bought a Specialized (the top of the line model....he is CAT 2 and felt he had "earned" it) and the LBS sat down with him for an 30 minutes just going over the survey portion before doing measurements. I think the whole process took 1.5 hours with a 30 minute bike ride.

forgot to add....this "bike survey" and fitting costs $150, BUT if you are buying a bike the $150 is subtracted from the bikes cost.

So I have to be a CAT 2 to buy a top of the line bike? :)

Bet this policy is because BF members get fitted at a LBS to then order from bikes direct?

no thats not what I am saying. we have a guy that goes on our bike rides that bought the top of the line trek madone and has no desire to race....oh and he is 70 :) . I am just saying my friend felt it was a great accomplishment so he bought himself a luxury item. youve never bought yourself anything for achieving a goal?

My LBS even though I didn't end up buying my bike off them has been very accommodating to my concerns. I returned to them to get my bike fitted to me, just a basic fit with the Specialized BG kit. With a handlebar swap, new bar tape and the fitting, I paid $180ish out the door.

+1 ...

It seems that many cyclists are having to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Golfers started figuring out 3D biomechanical computer based fitting more than 10 years ago and those who take advantage of it not only play better but ultimately save a great deal of money. The plumb bob and other long standing cycling fitting tools are still very valid and are still used by those performing the computer based fittings and likely always will be.

But, increasingly, serious cyclists in larger cities will be able to more readily access these sophisticated 3D analysis systems with high speed film to optimize biomechanical and kinesiology related issues and will be able to pinpoint even more finite fitting adjustments including pedals, cleats and shoes that will enhance speed and endurance and help to minimize long term physical injuries from cycling. Specialized is getting a huge leap on the competition in these areas. Increasingly, racing specialty shops will offer fee based truly high end sophisticated and detailed 3D computer based fittings utilizing multiple high speed cameras and body sensors viewed from above, front, side, and rear and will likely cost $300 to $500+ but will be well worth it to any serious cyclist.

All that having been said, any LBS that today demands $200 to $300 fees upfront for a relatively unsophisticated fitting related to a potential purchase just doesn't get it and likely won't be around for long as these technologies continue to evolve and appear in more and more LBSs. These fittings should be used to enhance customer satisfaction and customer loyalty with an eye to repeat purchases and referrals.

It's because word is out that standing over the top tube and saying "that looks about right" isn't acceptable.

Sounds like the OP has some experience. Might the most reasonable solution for the LBS to ask a few questions about what he is looking for, observe him for a short rice on his present rig, then take if from there? Might become obvious as to whether a Fit would be advantageous, or not.

I won't disagree that a fit can be beneficial, but not all cyclists need that level of "medication."

I was just goofing. And yes. I'm buying this, way more bike than I'll ever need, just because I'm feelin old. :)

I fit people prior to a new bike purchase all the time but they choose to come to me and I am not a "bike shop". They know that the numbers I give them on their stat sheet (stack and reach) will dictate what the best possible bike ergonomics/geometry is for their anatomy and style of riding.

A shop shouldn't "force" a fit on anyone. They should educate the client/customer about what a proper fit can do and how it can help determine the right bicycle for them in the future.

Franco bicycles has the right idea. They actually include the price of a Retul fit into their bike pricing. You go get the fit, the fitter then sends the numbers to Franco and they decide what size of bike fits you best. Such a great concept.