It’s common knowledge that test-riding a vehicle before buying is crucial and encouraged. This is no different for bicycles. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do you try out a road bike?” rest assured, for this question will be answered in this article.
Read on till the end to get a better understanding of how you can request for a test ride and the various considerations you ought to make before buying a bike.
Why Is It Important to Test Ride a Bike
Whenever you go to a shop to purchase anything, especially something as valuable as a road bike, it’s essential to ensure that you get the best possible product.
Test riding a bike is just one way of making sure that its suspension, braking system, pedals, frame material and shape, and motor (if you’re choosing an electric bike) are working perfectly and are suitable for its prospective owner.
But how exactly are you supposed to take a bike on a test ride in the first place? Well, the next few sections explain just that, so keep reading!
Pick a Road Bike You’d Like to Test
Once you reach the bicycle shop, the first thing you should do is choose the right bike. Ask yourself questions like, “What is my budget?” and “What am I going to use it for?” to pick the perfect one for you.
If you’re looking for a road bike, it’s probable that you prioritize speed and efficiency over comfort. These bikes have a sleeker build with narrower handles and seats. If you’re looking for a cheaper brand, make sure to check every aspect of the bike before you seal the deal.
Since road bikes don’t have a suspension, you may want to add on a couple of thicker tires or inbuilt compliance to the frame to make your ride more comfortable.
Make sure to juxtapose your needs with what the bike you’re eyeing features and then proceed to buying it once you’re absolutely certain.
Ask Your Local Bike Shop If You Can Ride the Bike
It goes without saying that you can’t truly know if a bike shop allows it’s customers to test ride it’s bicycles unless you ask them, right? Well, for the most part, the vast majority of shops do allows test rides to help cyclists obtain a better understanding of what their potential future rides have to offer.
Simply request them to permit you to take a few laps around the neighborhood. But before you do so, make sure to carry your ID, like a driver’s license or a student’s card, to make sure they know you’re genuine.
The best thing about this is that you won’t have to pay them anything. Test rides are usually completely free. So make the most out of this brief moment of solitude with your potential new ride and see if every component works like it should.
Stand Over the Bike and See if it Fits
Comfort is an incredibly significant factor, even when you’re riding a road bike. This is why you should stand over the bike and make sure it fits well.
Also, pick the right frame size that suits your stature and body size. Most bikes are available in six sizes, which can either be measured based on the length of the seat tube or the more generic XS to XL size range.
It’s crucial to consider the handlebar as well. A handlebar that’s too wide might require you to stretch your arms far away from each other which could leave your shoulders vulnerable to sprains and muscle pulls. This could be exacerbated by the constant jolts and bumps you and your road bike would have to endure during each ride.
Check the Brakes
A bike’s braking system is an incredibly important element that ensures the safety of yourself and the ones around you. So, before you decide to buy a bike, make sure to check it if works.
First, ride around town at a regular speed and use the brakes to see if they work. If they do, proceed to use them while riding downhill or on rough terrain. Sometimes, this might not be possible, so make sure they work in normal situations.
Check the Pedals
A peculiar thing about higher-end bike models is that many shops don’t sell them with pedals. Most bike stores assume that customers have their pedal preferences tailored to their cycling shoes and can attach them as accessories after purchasing the bike.
Moreover, to gain a better understanding of the bike you might end up choosing, consider bringing along a pair of your cycling shoes and some clipless pedals. Those pedals that are more expensive usually have better bearings, lower weight, and lesser friction.
Alternative Ways You Can Test a Bike
As we’ve already mentioned, testing a bike before you buy it is incredibly important to ensure you make the best decision possible. However, doing so on the spot might pressure you into rushing through the close scrutiny of your bike.
Below are some other ways you could take your bike for a ride and determine whether it’s the right fit for you.
Go For a Demo Bike
Some bike shops and rental services allow their potential customers to borrow a demo bike for an entire day or sometimes even longer.
To ready yourself for this, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and carry a valid ID. They may also ask you to sign a waiver that says you understand the risks involved and agree not to hold the shop responsible if you encounter any other mishaps.
However, all of this may come at a cost. Some places lend you the bike for free, while others charge a fee, which acts as a deposit. But don’t worry! Bring the bike back safely, and you may get the amount back.
Rent Out a Bike
If you can’t borrow a demo model, why not rent a bike out instead? The best thing about this is it’s flexibility. You can borrow the bike for as long as you need be it a few hours, an entire day, or a weekend.
You may need to pay a fee, though. The cost depends on the rental duration and type of bike. But unlike the previous option, renting out a bike can be non-refundable.
Make sure to plan ahead by researching local bike shops or rental services that can offer you the best deals and a wide selection of bikes. So, put on your safety gear, and good luck!
Attend Bike Shows and Demo Days
You can also go for bike shows and demo days for newer models of bikes. These events often feature a wide variety of bikes from different manufacturers, allowing riders to compare and contrast different models.
If you have any questions regarding a model’s properties and specifications, don’t worry. There may be some representatives available who can give you as much information about the bike as possible.
So Gear Up and Begin Your Road Biking Journey Today!
And with that, our road bicycle test ride guide comes to an end. Remember, buying a new bike to start off your cycling journey can be a big deal and requires ample preparation. Make sure to consider the factors we’ve previously discussed to ensure your bike fits into your life as it should.
A key tip: Don’t worry about the trivial aspects of your bike like it’s saddle width and seat height. Focus more on the ride quality and experience as well as the important features like the drivetrain, brakes and pedals.
Good luck with your search for a new bike!
