Test rides and Price Matching.

[tjdixon911]

I am looking at potentially buying a new road bike soon, been to the LBS and they have sized me up on a bike but I didn't get a test ride - I would want to insist on this on the basis I am likely to spend £750-1000 with them - What should I expect from a test ride? A short blast round the block? I'm sure the bike shops would prefer nothing to keep their New bikes unused....

Also - I have seen the bike I looked at £100-150 cheaper online, should I expect my LBS to match that? It is a 2011 bike at original rrp so there should be some movement as the 2012 bikes are coming through - I do want to support the Local business but these savings aren't too big to be ignored.....

[Engineer1]

Consider that your £100 saving may dwindle if you need any tweaking or servicing, a LBS may well give you a free first service and maybe a 1 year service as well, which could well come to £100 or you may be able to lump in the tyres, the saddle or other accessories or component swaps.

[Old man Jimbo]

When I bought my last bike it was a pound short of £1000. I was going to buy it through Edinburgh bike co-op as they were having a 15% weekend. So I went round a few LBS and asked if they could match it. Most turned me down flat but one got within £15. So they got my money. Could of had a free service etc but I do that sort of thing myself.

So give it a whirl you never know! Plus it's nice to keep your local shop going but then again money IS money so if they can't. One of my pet hates is people getting test rides and measured up etc at the LBS then fecking them off to buy online after wasting the shops time, skill, and money. So I always talk money before I get measured up etc. Only fair IMHO.

[E31Shrew]

I spend hours every week demonstrating screens in a professional manner, only for punters to save a few bob and buy online. I have had dozens then come back in to the shop to ask if we could install it / set it up / or even explain in more detail how to operate it or connect other bits of kit to it..Needless to say I don't bother!
Personally I would have the facts, re prices, to hand BEFORE using the LBS expertise and compare all prices before using their time but thats the perfect world!

[Old man Jimbo]

It is annoying. Most people have narrowed there choice down to two or three bike BEFORE they start to test ride etc. So why can't people just ring round a few shops and ask before going in for final fit and test ride?

Plain unfair I feel..

[Allblackdup]

Is there a bit more to it with road bikes as they don't come with pedals as standard? I mean will a shop fit pedals to a road bike for you to try it properly?

[itsnotarace]

Allblackdup said:

Is there a bit more to it with road bikes as they don't come with pedals as standard? I mean will a shop fit pedals to a road bike for you to try it properly?

You will likely get a set of flat pedals to try unless you bring your own, along with shoes and cleats already set up.

[snotrag]

Any Edinburgh bicycle shop will let you ride a bike off their sales floor, so long as it's not pissing it down with rain. No deposit required. Ring em up to check they've got whst you want first rather than just turning up.

Eta theyll also price match so long as you bring proof of price and stock elsewhere.

[Allblackdup]

itsnotarace said:

Allblackdup said:

Is there a bit more to it with road bikes as they don't come with pedals as standard? I mean will a shop fit pedals to a road bike for you to try it properly?

You will likely get a set of flat pedals to try unless you bring your own, along with shoes and cleats already set up.

Cheers!