Bike Shops and test Rides

[I am Spartacus]

Do some bike shops have a set of rollers for 'test rides'... ?
If they did I'd certainly pop in a few more times for cheap entertainment.


..times is 'ard...and the picture house only accept 20 pound notes nowadays'

 

[jimboalee]

How can you test how a bike 'corners' on rollers?

 

[zizou]

When i was looking at new bikes there were a couple of shops who only offered test rides on the rollers (because it was raining). Needless to say i didnt bother having the test ride and went elsewhere!

 

[Randochap]

Any shop I've worked in not only "allow" test rides, they are encouraged as part of the sales process.

A final fitting might be done with bike on trainer, but a proper assessment -- particularly for newcomers to cycling -- can only be made by riding the bike.

There's also something about trying out the bike (what could it be?) that "sells" someone and any salesperson worth their salt knows this. Shops that don't allow test rides are literally selling themselves short.

 

[I am Spartacus]

Any shop I've worked in not only "allow" test rides, they are encouraged as part of the sales process.

Does this apply to De Rosa Kings
or just to
£400 hybrid hacks?

 

[Randochap]

Does this apply to De Rosa Kings
or just to
£400 hybrid hacks?

All bikes in the shop, including £1500 Rohloff-equipped "hybrid hacks." We'd especially encourage rides on something exotic like that.

As for, say, a £4000 racer, that would likely be a special order and sizing would have been done beforehand and there'd be a sizable down payment in hand. Those customers are usually regulars.

 

[Brandane]

I'm going for a test ride on Thursday. Bike is a Specialized Tricross (basic model). Shop is Dales in Glasgow.

The shop have taken a £20 deposit which is fully refundable if I decide against buying the bike. Fair enough as they have to go to the trouble of getting the bike road ready.

Not sure what happens if I fall off though! Surely they can't then sell the bike as "new"? (if I don't buy it).

 

[I am Spartacus]

, a £4000 racer, that would likely be a special order and sizing would have been done beforehand and there'd be a sizable down payment in hand. Those customers are usually regulars.

So you wouldnt be able to roll up and have a test ride on a very hi spec bike without having to flash the cash 1st?
Just because a bike costs in excess of £6 doesnt mean to say it will be the right one... (however I do know a De Rosa king will be for me .. just want another go ..............)