gamby

Did you buy the bike after those hours of test-riding?

During my (sporting goods) retail years, there were customers who would agonize over the smallest purchase. I picture a scenario of a neurotic customer test riding every bike in the shop and then deciding to buy nothing. I saw this with tennis racquets ad nauseum. Either you want it or you don't--simple as that, IMHO.

sfrider 

No problem - look at the bar tape, chain, cassette, brake pads, tires, etc. If it all looks new, it's new - doesn't matter if it has been ridden. If I can't tell I treat it as new. Otherwise, I'd talk down the price based on the wearables and any potential blemishes. (Although to be fair, if there are nicks in the paint or other blemishes I'd have them order me another, unless I get a deep discount.) I don't buy bikes with stock wheels, pedals, or saddles, and would have the seller put on different bars anyway, but even if the bars stayed on I'd have them put on my favorite bar tape (2mm Fizik Microtex) anyway, or do it myself. It still has the same warranty as a bike straight from factory assembly. Even if it has been ridden 500 miles that really means nothing other than the usual wearables, and either those are replaced, or the bike is sold without them, or it's discounted. (Basically, I don't pay "new" prices for used tires and chains. That's just silly.)

I bought a car off a lot with 140 miles on it, and paid $47k for a $55k configuration. This is for a brand where a "deep" discount is 6% and invoice is at 7%. The car was what I wanted, was spotless, and about $2500 less than one with 10 miles on it. It doesn't matter in any way to me if someone else drove it 100 miles or I did it the first week. I also know this dealer doesn't do unattended solo test drives, so they could vouch for it not having been abused.

Falchoon

A LBS I know of will mix and match a bike and it's components for you. For example. You walk in there and see a blue "brand X" bike that has say Campy Record on it but you really want Shimano Ultegra, then he will swap the components with another bike he has in stock (with price adjustment if necessary). He will do this with pretty much any components.

Most other LBS' will just say "this groupset/wheels/handlebars/saddle/other component is what the bike comes with, take it or leave it" or make you buy the replacement components and offer to fit them (at $X p/h labour) but without trading your original parts.

I think this is quite good service and he seems to be a very popular shop because of this. Been in business for over 10 years. Mostly sells mid to high end price range bikes.

BoSoxYacht

The fact is, most shops don't care about selling high end bikes. Most shops are happy/content with selling many entry level to mid-range bike. Most shops that I've worked for don't want the hassle/expense of stocking/selling high end bikes because it's just not worth the risk envolved.

When you factor in post bike purchases, a shop will make more money by selling 3 $3333.00 bikes, than they will after selling 1 $10,000.00 bike.

StanSeven

I did buy that bike. It was a high end bike as well.

I disagree, or at least for me, about either wanting or not wanting and buying. I know I want to purchase a bike and a test ride is an essential part of my decision.