So how the hell do you test ride a bike?

[Andrew_Culture]

You could be in trouble if you are already a fit and competent cyclist.

I'm not sure I've ever been called a fit and competent anything

Good point though. Being heartless I can always sell the bike on if we don't get along after a few weeks.

 

[Bigsharn]

If the pedals move freely, and the brakes stop me, I'm happy.
Though if I'm buying a new bike as long as the bike feels* right, and fits the above criteria, I'm happier

*Looking around for a new bike currently, test rode a Ridgeback Journey and the brakes are a bit dire, rode a charge tap and the geometery of it just felt so wrong... The hunt continues

 

[Red Light]

The thing that troubles me is that if the guy selling me the bike can't fix it then I sure can't.

Ah but he doesn't have the CycleChat A-Team helping him fix it. So now you've bought it quit your jibber-jabber and get a plan together

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Ah but he doesn't have the CycleChat A-Team helping him fix it. So now you've bought it quit your jibber-jabber and get a plan together

Hell yeah! Shut me in a garage full of tools and a few CCers and will come out looking like Ned Kelly's bicycle!

 

[Cyclopathic]

Creaks could be seatpost, pedals or bottom bracket...

Or knees. With me it's my knees.

 

[Cyclopathic]

It was smooth as velvet but it would feel that way as it's the first 'proper' road bike I've ridden. It creaked when under stress (being pushed hard uphill for example), and the seller (very respected local independent repairer) just text me to say he can't get rid of the creaks and would understand if I turned the bike down.

The changes were solid on the whole, a couple of up changes lagged by a second or two though.

But here's the thing - this bike is a custom build with carbon forks, Dura ace chainset, ultegra hubs and derailleurs plus ma3 wheels and I've been offered it for £350 so it seems like a bit of a steel.

Never mind all that superficial stuff, what colour is it?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Never mind all that superficial stuff, what colour is it?

Dark blue, I like blue.

I've had it confirmed that then creaking was the drivetrain, not my hips.

 

[biggs682]

could have been your wallet opening !

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I bought this bike! http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/it...d-bike-with-gears-introducing-mr-blue.111799/

So soon will begin the CycleChat 'find the creak' challenge thread!