Test rides

[steve30]

What are bike shops usually like with test rides?

I have heard of some having requirements for a credit card? Is this common, because I don't have a credit card and have no intention of getting one? (I've never needed to buy stuff I can't afford).

As I've never ridden a road bike before, it would be quite important to me to be able to try out at least a couple of different frame sizes and to have plenty of time to ride them. I was quite happy with a 'round the block a couple of times' test ride for my hybrid, but I don't think that would be suitable for a road bike.

 

[terry_gardener]

i have recently did a test ride at evans cycles (gateshead) and they required any type of credit or debit card (bank card will do)

however in my area stockton on Tees i have not found a single shop that allows them.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

IMHO do not trust any LBS which will not allow a reasonable test ride. If you do not have a credit card, be prepared to leave a decent cash deposit. That is only understandable as they will not know you.

 

[jimboalee]

IMHO do not trust any LBS which will not allow a reasonable test ride. If you do not have a credit card, be prepared to leave a decent cash deposit. That is only understandable as they will not know you.

My LBS when I was a mere youngster was Tom Crowthers in Hobs Moat, Solihull. He's one of the two who founded Mercian Cycles. "Test ride" no chance.

If your LBS cannot put a measure tape up you and show you a bike that will be OK for 250 miles in a day, they are not a trustworthy LBS.

A fully trustworthy LBS is one that can order you a custom frame by taking a few simple measurements. I would have thought that any LBS man who has framebuilding knowledge and experience would be the one to go to. Not just a retailer.

Anyway, a custom frame requires a sizable deposit. And you can't ride the bike until its built.

Anyway II, all you need to do is stand over the bike and test how much room there is between your crotch and the toptube where it joins the headtube. If that's OK, minor adjustments will give you a bike for the 250 miles in a day.

 

[steve30]

A debit card is fine as I have one of those. I would be happy with a cash deposit provided it is refundable and that I get a receipt for it.

Might pop in to a couple of shops next week.

 

[steve30]

Anyway II, all you need to do is stand over the bike and test how much room there is between your crotch and the toptube where it joins the headtube. If that's OK, minor adjustments will give you a bike for the 250 miles in a day.

That's probably a matter of opinion/personal preference.

I can't really comment on it, having only ever bought one bike, but some people seem quite happy with ordering online etc/doing some simple measurements, whereas others always emphasise the importance of a test ride.

 

[jimboalee]

Additionally.

The "Stand over height" of a bicycle is the height of the upper surface of the toptube where it joins the head tube.

Your Leg Length is your total height minus your sitting height.

IF your Leg Length is 40mm more than the 'Stand over height', you won't get a better fitting bike. Makers such as Specialized, Trek, Cannondale and most others will have got all the angles and tubelengths correct for this measurement.

There is no need whatsoever for test riding bicycles.

 

[ianrauk]

Steve,
don't listen to MumboJimbo.

.. If you want to go test ride a bike, then go and ask. Most stores will allow if you leave card or cash deposit. Some don't. You don't want to spend a substantial amount of money on a bike without test riding first.

 

[jimboalee]

If you have to test ride a bike, ask them if you can keep it for a month. That'll be about right to get all the minor adjustments exactly right for YOU. And enough time for you to build up to at least 100 miles in a day to check how comfortable it is after a lengthy ride.

After the month is over and you've got all those measurements just right for YOU, you may as well have bought the thing, because a competent bike shop would have looked at your leg length and suggested a bike where there is 40mm clearance.

 

[steve30]

If you have to test ride a bike, ask them if you can keep it for a month. That'll be about right to get all the minor adjustments exactly right for YOU. And enough time for you to build up to at least 100 miles in a day to check how comfortable it is after a lengthy ride.

After the month is over and you've got all those measurements just right for YOU, you may as well have bought the thing, because a competent bike shop would have looked at your leg length and suggested a bike where there is 40mm clearance.

That is quite true. It took me rather a long time to set my hybrid bike up properly (and to adjust gears/brakes etcs properly).


My main reason for needing to test ride a road bike is because I have never ridden one before.