Buying a new bike

[Clearyweary]

Has anyone managed to successfully try (as in sit on) and buy a new bike over lockdown? I am desperate for a new bike. I knew they were ‘essential shops’ so tried to buy one over lockdown, but was not allowed to test it. So I’ve waited until today and have contacted the shop (a particular brand of bike that I wanted to get as opposed to a bike shop who do multiple brands) - and they still will not let me actually sit on a bike to try it for size. I am exactly in between the frame measurements for for a small or medium frame, so I have to try the bike. But no, even of I hand sanitise, wear gloves, wear a mask, bathe in bloody dettol - I am not allowed to touch their bike unless I’ve bought it. The bike in question is £750.

So needless to say, I won’t be buying it, but just wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem or is this bike shop just being too cautious? It seems pointless opening at all as I can’t imagine many people buying a bike if they can’t try it first, especially considering the prices that this shop charges.

Bike fits are always recommended. Are these "proper" bike shops? If so they seem a bit up their own bottoms. What do they think you can catch from someone's fully clothed derriere being on a saddle.

My thoughts exactly. Maybe my derriere is covered in coronavirus and I’m unwittingly spreading it everytime I sit down. Who knew?

Yes, a proper bike shop. Full on fancy showroom, the lot. Only sell one brand of bike. Not that I’ll be buying one now though...

What does the bike do make you coffee every morning and do the washing up?

£750 is a massive amount for a bike. No idea why a shop wouldn't let you make an appointment and come try it. Take your budget elsewhere.

(Although surely a bike that expensive will just be stolen if you leave it somewhere locked up).

That's a bit daft. I can't see that you pose a major health hazard by sitting on a bike as long as you wash your hands before and after. They can wipe the contact points down too.
In our locality all the independent bike shops are open though most seem to be operating an appointment system. In my experience, the best bike shops are the cramped, slightly scruffy type that are run by enthusiasts who will do their best to get you what you need rather than sell you what they have in stock. I have never been particularly impressed with "fancy" bike shops to be honest. I would shop around and try a few local independents if I were you. The only problem is that they tend not to carry a lot of stock, and particularly if you are a less common size, might need to order in for you. An experienced fitter will have a good idea what to recommend for you though. Bike shops can be a bit hit and miss unfortunately and I'm sorry to say that I've encountered quite a bit of sexism in how I've been treated in some shops. I'm afraid to say that in our local "posh" bike shop as a woman looking at a bike in that kind of price range you would be lucky to get the salesman to look up from his magazine, but go round the corner with the same budget to the rather scruffy little workshop and you would get better service and a better deal (and pre Covid-19, a cup of tea!). I would see if you can get any personal recommendations from local cyclists about what shops they trust and start from there.

Thank you. I will definitely be trying some independent shops now and actually this experience may end up with me saving some money. I won’t be buying from Specialized now!

It’s just disappointing when I was really looking forward and waiting for the shops to reopen, and still can’t buy one. Hey ho!

Its worth keeping an eye on local selling sites too Clearyweary as you can often get a lot more bike for your money second hand. Lots of people buy bikes and barely use them, and like cars they depreciate massively once you ride them out of the showroom. Obviously it may take a while for you to find what you need, but if you can wait a bit you might get a good deal.

I bought two bikes during lock down. My partner and I were encouraged to try the bikes for size. We used an independent shop.