#!markdown
I've never had a decent test ride from a bike shop, or even been offered
something beyond the 'take it around the block' - not saying they don't
happen, just not to me.
I've had decent service from bike shops, but my best service (and support) in
the last several years has been from parts manufacturers or the bike company
itself, not the stores that sold me my bikes. Email CaneCreek or Ibis?
Response within hours, sometimes minutes. Contact the store where I actually
plunked down the cash? Not so much. They're like 1 for 4 on even responding,
and 0 for 4 on being helpful. I hardly bother dealing with them any more, ergo
my consumer relationship IS practically direct to the manufacturer now.
Not to make this a specific endorsement either, but Outerbike in Whistler last
year was an amazing (if slightly pricey) opportunity to test real bikes in
real conditions. I found the bike I liked, and bought it with a high degree of
confidence knowing it would work on the kinds of trails I ride.
March 2, 2016, 5:04 p.m. - qduffy
#!markdown I've never had a decent test ride from a bike shop, or even been offered something beyond the 'take it around the block' - not saying they don't happen, just not to me. I've had decent service from bike shops, but my best service (and support) in the last several years has been from parts manufacturers or the bike company itself, not the stores that sold me my bikes. Email CaneCreek or Ibis? Response within hours, sometimes minutes. Contact the store where I actually plunked down the cash? Not so much. They're like 1 for 4 on even responding, and 0 for 4 on being helpful. I hardly bother dealing with them any more, ergo my consumer relationship IS practically direct to the manufacturer now. Not to make this a specific endorsement either, but Outerbike in Whistler last year was an amazing (if slightly pricey) opportunity to test real bikes in real conditions. I found the bike I liked, and bought it with a high degree of confidence knowing it would work on the kinds of trails I ride.