Newbie grumble

[chris667]

You're not that far from Hewitt Cycles.
£50 for an expert frame fitting session is money well spent, and if you buy your bike there it's refunded anyway. Their Cheviot has won every award going for touring bikes, but they do other sorts too.
I know exactly what frame size I ride, but even so I wouldn't spend more than a small amount on a bike without testing it first.

 

[beanzontoast]

I think it's up to customers to demand this of shops. If more customers insisted on 'trying the bike before buying the bike', those that didn't allow it would have to think about changing their policy rather than miss out on a sale.

 

[ohsoslow]

Thought I'd revisit this thread and add a conclusion .

After a bit more shopping around I found a very helpful shop who let me sit on , prod , poke and ride any bike to my hearts content and as a result I bought a bike from them.

Let's hope bike shops read these pages .

 

[Sittingduck]

We require pictures ohsoslow!

 

[Garz]

PICS!!

 

[yello]

Whilst I can understand someone's frustration at not being able to get a test ride, I think it's perhaps unreasonable to expect one. At least not before understanding the LBS's position.

I do not know on what terms the LBS stocks the bikes they have. Do they have to buy them from the manufacturer? Is it sale or return? Would you buy the demo bike, or want a 'box fresh' one?

If you consider things like that, you could appreciate why a small LBS might not be able to offer you to test ride.

 

[ohsoslow]

Oh go on then .

Managed to put around 50 miles on her ( she is female , too good looking to be a fella ) and first impressions are very good , with the exception of the shifters at first they were a bit notchy and noisy but seem to be getting better with use .

 

[Sittingduck]

Ohhhh - Me like dat

 

[Joshgav]

You can't have a bike that nice and not have clipless pedals surely?