Did you test ride your mountain bike before you purchased it?

There are a lot of ways to try a bike before you buy it. But you don't have to.

By Jeff Barber
March 29, 2026

19 comments

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A close-up of a wooden sign that reads "RENTAL BIKE PARKING," placed in front of a window with reflections of bicycles and a busy street. In the foreground, part of a bicycle seat is visible, along with a rustic wooden bench. The background features a textured, rusty metal wall. — File photo: Jeff Barber

A mountain bike is a major purchase, and most of us prefer to try before we buy. However, that’s not always possible or even preferable when we have our heart set on a specific bike.

Did a test ride change your mind about a bike? For those who didn’t take a test ride, do you wish you did? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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19 Comments

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Zoso 2016
Mar 29, 2026

The availability for demo rides at my local shops has declined very sharply.

5 reply

[email protected] Massachusetts // 2014
Mar 29, 2026

Definitely always test a bike if you can. Your skills change from your last purchase typically for the better but you find you want a lighter vuke or mellow suspension.

3 reply

xcountry_rider 2010
Mar 31, 2026

I test rode 11-12 bikes on actual legit trail rides before I landed on my latest bike. I tend to keep my bikes for a while (at least compared to my riding buddies) 7-8 years. So I wanted to make sure I got a bike that fit me well and would suit my riding style.

sled 519 2026
Mar 29, 2026

Demo rides are more or less nonexistent in my area. Shops never carry the model/spec I’m looking for to trial. Have to do my own research best I can and pray it doesn’t suck when I order it.

2 reply

kippcarlisle Massachusetts // 2008
Mar 31, 2026

Drove to multiple manufacturer’s demo van events to try several options - can’t recommend test rides enough - you may be surprised which bike you like the best based on your own ride feel instead of all the ‘reviews’ online!

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Mar 30, 2026

It is probably best to ride a bike before they buy it, but I did not. My wife surprised me with my bike as a gift. She didn't know anything about bikes so she spoke to my buddy at our local shop, he knew what I would need and they helped make it happen. It has been a great bike, and my wife ain't too bad either.

godfathercorvette Virginia // 2025
Mar 30, 2026

No test ride per se, but already had a similar model. Was getting an Ibis Ripley but already had a previous generation Ripley AF. Had zero to go on when I got the AF though. Got that one to replace an old GT. Did a ton of research prior, though.

Stabone33 2010
Mar 30, 2026

Bought mine direct through an out of state indy bike shop that carried the hard-to-find frame I wanted. Had them build it. Didn't ride it until it showed up at my door.

1 reply

Tim Nielsen Colorado // 2024
Mar 31, 2026

Custom frame, custom tubes, custom geometry so yeah, hard to test ride that. $3000 for the frame, another $800 for the custom paint, matching on the forks and cranks. After 40 years of racing and riding was fairly confident it would be exactly what I wanted but was still damn nervous building it in my garage and riding for the first time.

Sigh of relief ... Best damn bike ever.

Wile E Warren Louisiana // 2019
Mar 30, 2026

Since they shared the same frame, I actually test rode the model one tier above the one I bought. When I got mine, I switched out some parts and sold those to friends. Now 16 years later, it's fully custom.

moctav Texas // 2014
Mar 30, 2026

The bike shop where I bought my current bike had a demo program where you could take a bike on Friday and return it the following Monday. You gave them your credit card number, but there was no charge for the demo. It was the only bike shop in town with this program. The other bike shops in town either don't have a demo program or have rentals.

Muke Colorado // 2021
Mar 30, 2026

There were few enough bikes that fit my checklist that it was either going to be the one I got or an indefinite wait for something else that might or might not ever pop up, so I just ordered it online. No regrets!

Graham Spencely 2026
4 days ago

Bought my Merida SL 6000 in a sale. Already s

dussed that the geometry was what I like. Shop was 300 miles from home. Turned up tested bike and bought. Love it

0 reply

bpmaiden 2021
Mar 30, 2026

Bought my most recent (and only) bike at the peak of covid. Bikes were is short supply, and I felt lucky to track one down at a local bike shop. Had to wait a week or two for it to be assembled. They let me test-ride it before making an irreversible decision, but I had paid a 100% deposit and I followed through.

mrutsch 2008
Apr 3, 2026

Didn’t test ride my last bike (Cube cyclocross) because there were no dealers in state - ended up buying from a Canadian shop. But I’ve built several bikes before and was down to the mm on the geometry of the cube for fit upon arrival. Only adjustment was swapping to a longer stem. Love it.

Bob k Texas // 2025
Apr 1, 2026

I didn't test ride what I bought. Biggest mistake I ever made. I had always wanted a Superfly but the only thing that was close enough to fitting was a kids model with a 1x11. Don't what disliked about that bike the most
I have not bought anything since.

gerryg New Mexico // 2019
Apr 3, 2026

I got a Fezzari Delano Peak 5 years ago and had to rely on reviews and that they size it to my measurements. Super happy with it!

RemyMac Colorado // 2022
Apr 7, 2026

I've only made one MTB purchase in the past six years without demoing (during COVID, so nothing available to demo.) I'll never buy another bike without being able to demo first.

Rob Davis 3 Arkansas // 2013
Apr 2, 2026

Surprised to find that I am in the majority here. I went direct with a Revel Tirade because there are no dealers near me. To be fair though, I did a lot of research and had previously ridden a bike with very similar geo, though I had not ridden that frame before building it up either.

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