Would folk be interested in some sort of try-a-bike event?
It is likely that folk on the forum have "enthusiasts'" bicycles, either unusual or simply more expensive than the norm. Hiring these sorts of bikes may not be possible and dealers may not welcome cheeky "test rides", even if the bike is stocked!
Even considering more "ordinary" bikes, I've never ridden a recumbent, or a Brompton, and I may not be alone in only having ridden what was available or what fitted the planned purchase spec.
Trying bikes for the cycle to work scheme was great fun, even with a tight spec - I rode a Ridgeback Flight 2, a Dawes Discover 601, Kona's Dew Drop, Dew Deluxe and Jake, a Genesis Croix-de-Fer and the Norco Indie 2, on which I settled.
I'd have liked to try a Kona Sutra or a Trek Portland but both were a bit out of spec in at least one way and a few others weren't in stock (Giant & Cannondale equivalents, etc).
I suspect many, myself included, would be happy to have a free ride on something different, that couldn't be afforded, wouldn't be used enough, would take up too much space, would be too similar to an existing bike, or would simply exceed the bike quota.
So rather than, "who wants a ride?", the question is "who would be prepared to offer a ride?"
Would you be prepared to participate in an internet date where a stranger rides your pride and joy?
I'm being deliberately provocative, but perhaps any perceived risk could be reduced by making it a bit of a group cycle where we swap steeds every so often, rather than letting Johnny Tealeaf simply hop on to your bike and cycle off into the sunset leaving you standing on the pavement…
Clearly it wouldn't suit any who have spent hours adjusting their seat post/handlebars to be perfect!
I also don't think the risk of accidental damage can be mitigated much, and that might understandably rule out some.
What do you think?
Robert
Admins - if this should be in Debate rather than Events, feel free to move it!
posts
