How a bike fits and feels when you ride it is the most important part of choosing a new bike. Test-riding your shortlist before making a purchase will ensure you pick the right one.
Even before you set foot in a bike shop, spend some time thinking about what type of bike will be right for you and the cycling you intend to do. Consider your budget and don’t forget to include the accessories you may require, such as a bike lock. This will help narrow down what can be an almost overwhelming choice. Pick a few bikes that you think will suit you then track down the shops that stock them.
Find the right bike shop
Most bike shops will limit themselves to 3-5 key brands. If there are particular bikes or brands you are interested in, you may need to visit a few different shops to ride them all. Alternatively, look for ‘demo-days’ where several bike shops and manufacturers together offer a more complete overview of the market. And don’t forget our handy list of the things to ask your dealer.
10 Test Ride Tips
When you are test riding a new bike, you need to make sure you have enough time to relax and feel how it is to ride. A quick whip round the car park is good for first impressions only. Test several different bikes, even if you think you have already made up your mind. It is how a bike feels to ride that should be your deciding factor, not just its spec or how it looks in the brochure.
- Wear comfortable clothing typical of what you go cycling in.
- Think about your shoes – this is your connection with the pedal so wear a flat trainer or if you already use cycling shoes take those with you.
- Ask the shop to adjust the bike to fit you – before you ride. Any bike will feel uncomfortable if it is not properly set up.
- Make sure you understand how the gears, brakes, and e-bike settings work before you start riding.
- Look for challenges similar to where you want to ride. Is there a steep hill you can tackle? How does it feel on a tight corner or going downhill?
- Change the set-up until you are sure it is right.
- Don’t dismiss a bike because of an uncomfortable saddle or other component you don’t like. Many parts of your bike can be swapped by your bike dealer.
- If you are testing more than one bike you will get an immediate feel for which is the right one by swapping between them.
- Don’t compromise on how a bike fits or feels. For a long-term happy cycling experience this is the absolute key, not the color scheme or if it was in the discount sale!
- Does it make you smile? You will know you have found the right bike when you are grinning as you ride it and don’t want to hand it back!
After sales cycling service
Having a good relationship with the dealer you buy your bike from can significantly improve your cycling experience. Before you leave the shop with your shiny new purchase make sure the sales person has taken you through every detail so you can get to know your bike.
Shimano Service Centers have the expertise and passion to make sure you get the most out of your new bike. Their highly trained mechanics will be able to offer regular servicing to keep your bike safe and in tip-top condition, increasing the longevity of your bike and saving you money.
Find your nearest Shimano Service Center and book a test ride today.
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