Local bike shop

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2009-06-30 12:07 PM

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Salisbury NC
Subject: Local bike shop
What is the typical policy in most LBS's in relation to letting a customer ride a bike that is in the store for sale? Do they let you take it out for a short spin or get on a trainer or none of the above?

I don't want to ask in the shop and freak someone out. I will buy locally if at all possible.


2009-06-30 12:21 PM
in reply to: #2253331

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Expert
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Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Local bike shop

monroeduck - 2009-06-30 12:07 PM What is the typical policy in most LBS's in relation to letting a customer ride a bike that is in the store for sale? Do they let you take it out for a short spin or get on a trainer or none of the above? I don't want to ask in the shop and freak someone out. I will buy locally if at all possible.

All the local ones here (that I know of) let you take it out in the parking lot or around the block.  I would assume that this is the norm.

 

2009-06-30 12:24 PM
in reply to: #2253388

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Elizabethtown, KY
Subject: RE: Local bike shop

wes mantooth - 2009-06-30 1:21 PM

monroeduck - 2009-06-30 12:07 PM What is the typical policy in most LBS's in relation to letting a customer ride a bike that is in the store for sale? Do they let you take it out for a short spin or get on a trainer or none of the above? I don't want to ask in the shop and freak someone out. I will buy locally if at all possible.

All the local ones here (that I know of) let you take it out in the parking lot or around the block.  I would assume that this is the norm.

 

Absolutely the norm - if they don't let you test ride it (for even more than a spin around the block), I wouldn't buy from them.  I consider that part of the LBS premium you're paying them.

2009-06-30 12:26 PM
in reply to: #2253331

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Kingsville
Subject: RE: Local bike shop
When I bought mine. I had to give my drivers licence, then I could ride around the block.
2009-06-30 12:27 PM
in reply to: #2253331

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Western MA near the VT & NH border on the CT river
Subject: RE: Local bike shop
Depends on the shop, the owner and your relationship with them.

When I was looking to demo a bike at a LBS, I knew the owner well enough that he let me take it out w/o having to do anything.   Normally he would ask for a credit card and I.D. if he doesnt know you in case you rode off with it or broke it.  

He told me a story of one guy who wanted to demo a bike and said "Why do I need a deposit?  I'll be back, that's my car right there." and points to a parked car.  The owner thought something wasn't quite right so he said "No, can't be.  That's my car!" and the dude turned and left the store immediately w/o saying another word knowing he had just be caught in a lie.  The end of the story - it wasnt the LBS owners car either.

Edited by ratherbesnowboarding 2009-06-30 12:30 PM
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