Do bike shops let you test ride ?

[Rat]

In a couple of months time I'm planning to spend up to $2000 on a new XC hardtail.

I don't want to spend that much without test riding.

I know all shops are different and it's up to the individual owner, but in your experience does the average shop let you take the bikes for a spin down the road ?

I would want to take a few for a ride to test them out.

[scottmeister]

Most shops will let you have a little spin around a designated area or something. If they won't let you test ride it, don't buy it IMO.

[Beena]

Most will at least let you have a test ride around the local streets. (all we require is some photo ID)
Sometimes there are even test bikes available for longer 'proper' rides. Mostly higher end stuff though ie. Cannondales etc.

[Elbo]

yes, most shops allow you to go for a quick test ride, in my case, just around the block that the shop is on. some shops will ask you for something valuable while you take the bike on a test ride. I've never been to a shop that allows you to actually head up a hill though.

[MikeT]

Yeh we offer a few bikes at work that you can take to your local trail for a test if you are really interested.

[Skin]

Most will at least let you have a test ride around the local streets. (all we require is some photo ID)
Sometimes there are even test bikes available for longer 'proper' rides. Mostly higher end stuff though ie. Cannondales etc.



Specialized has a range of test bikes.... Epics, Demos Enduros ...
not sure about HT but any decent bike shop will let you ride one and get a feel.. some shops will even take you out for a short ride...

I have a the pleasure of riding this for a few weeks...

[Rat]

OK thanks for that, sounds good, I'm sure a couple of laps around the block will give me a general feel of the bike, I wouldn't feel the need to take it to the bush on a test.

I now know that the "norm" is to allow tests, so if anyone refuses I will just go elsewhere.

[bradh]

I have a the pleasure of riding this for a few weeks...
skin, is that a white demo 8? 05 model, or newer? it looks fucken hot!

[parallax]

I have a the pleasure of riding this for a few weeks...
For the un-initiated, most people would think that was just a picutre of an over-complicated pogo stick. :P

[ManiCC]

usaully, they let you ride it in the shop (if theres enough space), but i don't know about going outside with the bike or, down the block?

[Skin]

skin, is that a white demo 8? 05 model, or newer? it looks fucken hot!

Yes , It's an 05 Demo 8 Test bike In white, Looks smick huh ?
not to many of them around I know Brad Kelly has one, and a few shops have them as test bikes....

[tomass]

the 3 LBS in my little humble town let you test ride out the front of the bike shop and they dont ask for ID,

[nick]

yeah my lbs lets u take it for a spin in the car park out the front with no ID.

[demo man]

my LBS will let you go for a quick spin out the front no ID (mostly).

as for the demo, do you mean there are very few demo 8s around or demo 8 test bikes? coz i know of atleast 2 or 3 here.


and the paint looks sick! i love the black smudging effect. thats not a demo 8 pro though is it, just a demo 8?

whatever it i, they are fun bikes, ive ridden them a little bit on some good tracks i know well, and shit they are hot!


cheers,
Sam

[Skin]

as for the demo, do you mean there are very few demo 8s around or demo 8 test bikes? coz i know of atleast 2 or 3 here.

I ment Demo 8 white test bikes mate !

and the paint looks sick! i love the black smudging effect. thats not a demo 8 pro though is it, just a demo 8?


Dude the smudging effect is called a shadow it happen when the sun hits something (eg tree/leaves) in direct line with the frame and creates a darker spot on the frame... ;)

and True dat with your call yes it's just a demo 8 (Not a pro)

[R33F]

For the un-initiated, most people would think that was just a picutre of an over-complicated pogo stick.
didnt know you could test ride pogo sticks :D

[Mahoney_007]

usaully, they let you ride it in the shop (if theres enough space), but i don't know about going outside with the bike or, down the block?

Either your LBS is massive or just very short on stock ;)

Don't buy if you can't ride.

[Endo]

would you buy an expensive ski jacket without tryin it on first? NO. So pretty much waht everyone else says - if you can't test it out - walk out of the shop...
I'd imagine most LBS are a bunch of kruisey ppl anyways (right fellas?) so you should have no probs.. :cool:

[tnankie]

Yeah the bike shops I have been to let you go for a ride round the block/carpark...But can anyone name/know of a shop that lets you take a bike for a bush/real ride? I was thinking of buying a santa cruz or an intense and there is no way i want to spend that money without knowing how much better than a giant (bike i am using for all comparisons) they are.