Have you ever had a shop refuse a test ride?
#101
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I wouldn't want to buy a bike over $4000 that had been ridden by anyone. Whats the point of buying a "new" bike if its been ridden on multiple test rides? No thanks.
If you want to try out the Emonda, sure, here is the ALR rental go check it out. I wouldn't expect a bike shop to let me take out the SLR.
If you want to try out the Emonda, sure, here is the ALR rental go check it out. I wouldn't expect a bike shop to let me take out the SLR.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I always thought that bike shops had "demo bikes" around of their most popular models at least. At least I regularly see discounted bikes appear described as "demo bikes".
Perhaps this is only a feasible strategy for larger bike shops, not a small shop that has only 1 bike of each model in stock.
I have set foot in huge bike shops though (like small warehouse size), that seemingly had one (or multiple) bikes of every size in stock for each model, even in multiple color options. I have also been in shops that are so small they only have 1 bike of each model on display, so it is unlikely it would be in your size.
Last edited by maartendc; 12-12-19 at 05:11 AM.
#102
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I have set foot in huge bike shops though (like small warehouse size), that seemingly had one (or multiple) bikes of every size in stock for each model, even in multiple color options. I have also been in shops that are so small they only have 1 bike of each model on display, so it is unlikely it would be in your size.
#103
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I wouldn't want to buy a bike over $4000 that had been ridden by anyone. Whats the point of buying a "new" bike if its been ridden on multiple test rides? No thanks.
If you want to try out the Emonda, sure, here is the ALR rental go check it out. I wouldn't expect a bike shop to let me take out the SLR.
If you want to try out the Emonda, sure, here is the ALR rental go check it out. I wouldn't expect a bike shop to let me take out the SLR.
However may people buy new cars with 50 - 100 miles on them from test drives and don't bat an eye.
#104
Senior Member
Thread Starter
It would have to be a huge shop. As an example, Trek has about 20 models of Domane, on average each offered in 2-3 colors and 6-7 sizes. That would be a lot of bikes hanging up just for one model.. Now add the Checkpoint, Emonda, City bikes, Fitness bikes, MTBs, etc etc
I would never test ride purely to determine a groupset choice in any case. Just for geometry and fit. The difference between groupsets is so minimal, it is just number of gears and weight. I would be happy test riding a bike on Sora and ordering Ultegra, if I knew that is how much I wanted to spend.
#105
Senior Member
Having a bike with zero miles is a nice concept, the only way to achieve that is to have the bike shop order it up brand new for you, watch them unbox and assemble it, and then do the test ride yourself. Otherwise the mechanic is going to have a go on it, as well they should, to confirm all the bits and pieces are there. Or you can order up the pieces online and assemble it yourself. Otherwise most bikes in the shop have been lightly ridden (but should show no obvious signs of wear and tear outside of maybe some on the tires). Even ordering complete bikes online, you're not sure if they don't have a brick and mortar presence which has allowed that bike to be ridden. It's more important to me to be sure I buy from a place that the manufacturer will honor the warranty (vs. gray market) so that if anything goes wrong due to a defect, I'm covered.
#106
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Sure, but I mean for example one alloy Domane and one carbon domane in the most common sizes (S,M,L) for example. I obviously would not expect a shop to carry a version of EVERY groupset option available on EVERY frame. That would be madness.
I would never test ride purely to determine a groupset choice in any case. Just for geometry and fit. The difference between groupsets is so minimal, it is just number of gears and weight. I would be happy test riding a bike on Sora and ordering Ultegra, if I knew that is how much I wanted to spend.
I would never test ride purely to determine a groupset choice in any case. Just for geometry and fit. The difference between groupsets is so minimal, it is just number of gears and weight. I would be happy test riding a bike on Sora and ordering Ultegra, if I knew that is how much I wanted to spend.
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#107
Senior Member
I agree completely.. madness to expect this. Though I would disagree somewhat on groupset choice testing. Maybe just my personal POV, but yes, I might be just as interested in how does SRAM work vs Shimano; or what is this whole Di2 thing all about vs mechanical, etc. If I've only ever ridden caliper brakes, I might want to know what a disc brake does for me, etc.
#108
Newbie
Very pleased with Trek company store
So I hear one piece of advice on this forum ad nauseum: " test ride the bike, see if it fits. "
Well, I went to a local bike shop over the weekend that sells Trek bikes, Ridley, and high end electric bikes and scooters, etc. Very nice looking high-end shop.
I am in the market for a gravel bike, so when I inquired about test riding a Trek Checkpoint AL4, the guy was like "sure, you could take it around the block some time, when the weather is nice". He seemed very reluctant. Then when I asked him: Do you have my size in stock, he said "No, we would have to order it". Then, all this led me to ask: "So do most people just buy a bike without test riding it?" He said "Yes. "
SO this leads me to my question: How common is it REALLY to test ride a bike before you buy it? Have you ever encountered a shop that would not let you test ride a bike? Just curious.
In my opinion, this shop provides ZERO added value over ordering online, so I will most definitely not be buying from them. I can look at a geometry chart at home, thank you very much.
Thanks!
Well, I went to a local bike shop over the weekend that sells Trek bikes, Ridley, and high end electric bikes and scooters, etc. Very nice looking high-end shop.
I am in the market for a gravel bike, so when I inquired about test riding a Trek Checkpoint AL4, the guy was like "sure, you could take it around the block some time, when the weather is nice". He seemed very reluctant. Then when I asked him: Do you have my size in stock, he said "No, we would have to order it". Then, all this led me to ask: "So do most people just buy a bike without test riding it?" He said "Yes. "
SO this leads me to my question: How common is it REALLY to test ride a bike before you buy it? Have you ever encountered a shop that would not let you test ride a bike? Just curious.
In my opinion, this shop provides ZERO added value over ordering online, so I will most definitely not be buying from them. I can look at a geometry chart at home, thank you very much.
Thanks!
When I decided to get my first new bike since I was a teen, a rail-trail model, I knew I wanted a Trek and so after looking at tons of info online, I decided on the DualSport3 model. We have a Trek company store near us, just a few miles away so I paid them a visit but they didn't have my size of a DS3 and only had a DS2 in large in stock so we took it out the rear door to a large mostly empty parking lot out back and after adjusting the seat they let me ride around for ten minutes. Later, I checked around at a couple of other area dealers and as it was October already they were also out of 2019 DS3s. Then the Trek store called to say they had found a 2019 DS3 at another company store in Nashville and that with a deposit they would have it sent up here to Lancaster, Pa. Well, when the bike arrived they found that the top bar was scratched up and invited me in to look it over and that if I still wanted it they would make me a deal but I really didn't want it even with the discount they offered. If I'm getting a new bike I want a new bike! In the end, they offered me a 2020 DS3 for the same sale price they were selling me the 2019 for so that's what I got in that bright green color so now it's my Shrek bike.
#109
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Unless you are going to put it in a glass cage...
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