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Where to try out a road bike?

  • 07-09-2013 8:35am
    #1
    Inbox
    Closed Accounts Posts: 810 ✭✭✭


    Hi I'm thinking of buying my first road bike but im not sure i will like the riding position. I've been into a couple of shops to have a look. But that's it. Are test rides available anywhere in Dublin?


Comments

  • #2
    Maidhci
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    All bike shops that I have ever dealt with allow an opportunity to test-ride a bike before purchase. It doesn't make sense not to - you need to feel comfortable with a bike before you purchase. Do your research, know exactly what you want, know the amount of your budget etc. etc. Narrow your options to two or three, test-ride these and make your decision on that basis. Best of luck.


  • #3
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,231 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Bear in mind that you may find it odd/uncomfortable at begin with, regardless of which model you pick.

    That will either get better, or not. There's no way to tell.

    If you don't want to fully commit yourself, buy second hand. Then you lose almost nothing if you sell it after a couple of months.


  • #4
    Invincible
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,454 ✭✭✭Invincible


    Inbox wrote: »
    Hi I'm thinking of buying my first road bike but im not sure i will like the riding position. I've been into a couple of shops to have a look. But that's it. Are test rides available anywhere in Dublin?

    Mycycle.ie(Hollingsworth) Kilmacud, allow you to cycle around the block.


  • #5
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,064 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    Maidhci wrote: »
    ...you need to feel comfortable with a bike before you purchase...
    The problem with buying a bike, a car or even a sofa is that it's very difficult to guage the comfort levels without using it for several weeks. And also, a bike that feels comfortable after a spin around the block may not be so after a 150km spin (and vice versa).


  • #6
    Inbox
    Closed Accounts Posts: 810 ✭✭✭Inbox


    Yeah thats exactly it, I don't want to spend a significant amount of money on something I'm not comfortable on. I have a specialized stumpjumper MTB i dont use anymore. I don't like the way I had to lean forward on my arms and when on the flat straining my neck looking up. I have a Giant 3.0 city bike for commuting and I like the riding position but it feels slow. I'm looking for a bike that I can fly out to howth and up and over on.


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  • #7
    Cee-Jay-Cee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,235 ✭✭✭✭Cee-Jay-Cee


    Inbox wrote: »
    Yeah thats exactly it, I don't want to spend a significant amount of money on something I'm not comfortable on. I have a specialized stumpjumper MTB i dont use anymore. I don't like the way I had to lean forward on my arms and when on the flat straining my neck looking up. I have a Giant 3.0 city bike for commuting and I like the riding position but it feels slow. I'm looking for a bike that I can fly out to howth and up and over on.

    If that's the case look specifically at bikes with more relaxed geometry such as the Felt Z series bikes. Most of the bike manufacturers make a more relaxed style road bike so lean towards those.


  • #8
    Squidgy Black
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,741 ✭✭✭✭Squidgy Black


    Well you're going to be less upright on a road bike than a hybrid. So you'll have to get used to that. Also, it sounds as if the stem/saddle position was too long on the mtb, that's why you were so stretched out.


  • #9
    quozl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,308 ✭✭✭quozl


    Thinkbike in Rathmines do a 2 day test drive option. It's not really long enough to be certain but it's the best I've seen.


  • #10
    Inbox
    Closed Accounts Posts: 810 ✭✭✭Inbox


    quozl wrote: »
    Thinkbike in Rathmines do a 2 day test drive option. It's not really long enough to be certain but it's the best I've seen.

    That's exactly what i'd like but what if i don't buy something? I was doing a bit of searching and i like the sound and look of the Triban 5 black. Would that have relaxed geometry?


  • #11
    Bikerbhoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭Bikerbhoy


    quozl wrote: »
    Thinkbike in Rathmines do a 2 day test drive option. It's not really long enough to be certain but it's the best I've seen.

    Just to clarify you are not actually tied to two days you can keep longer if you feel you need to.However on average 2 days is usually more than enough for most .


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  • #12
    Bikerbhoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭Bikerbhoy


    Inbox wrote: »
    That's exactly what i'd like but what if i don't buy something? I was doing a bit of searching and i like the sound and look of the Triban 5 black. Would that have relaxed geometry?

    The purpose of the trial @Thinkbike is to confirm whether the bike is right for you geometry style size etc You are under absolutely no obligation to purchase.


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