Why You Should Never Buy an E-Bike Without a Test Ride
Riding 5 offers free e-bike test rides at all locations. A test ride is the most important step in buying an e-bike because specs can't tell you how a bike actually feels. Visit us in Claremont, Ontario, Brea, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, or Temecula to try before you buy.
Specs Don't Tell You How It Feels
You can spend hours researching motor wattage, battery capacity, and component specs online. That information is useful, but it can't tell you the most important thing: how the bike actually feels when you ride it.
The way the motor engages. How the weight sits beneath you. Whether the handlebars feel natural in your hands. How confident you feel when you brake. These are things you can only know by getting on the bike and riding it.
Two bikes with identical specs can feel completely different. One might feel like an extension of your body. The other might feel awkward and uncomfortable. You won't know until you try.
Fit Matters More Than You Think
E-bikes aren't one-size-fits-all. Your height, arm length, riding style, and comfort preferences all affect which bike is right for you.
During a test ride, you'll quickly notice if the seat feels too high or too low, if you're reaching too far for the handlebars, or if the frame geometry puts you in an uncomfortable position. These aren't things you can determine from photos or measurements online.
A bike that doesn't fit you properly isn't just uncomfortable. It can cause back pain, knee strain, and fatigue on longer rides. It can also affect your control and safety.
Our staff will help you adjust the bike properly before your test ride and show you what good fit looks and feels like.
Every Motor Feels Different
E-bike motors vary a lot in how they deliver power. Some engage smoothly and gradually. Others kick in with a jolt. Some feel natural and intuitive. Others feel disconnected from your pedaling.
The only way to know which motor style you prefer is to feel it yourself. What feels perfect to one rider might feel wrong to another. There's no "best" motor, only the best motor for you.
During your test ride, try different assist levels. See how the bike responds when you start from a stop, climb a small incline, and cruise on flat ground. Pay attention to how natural it feels.
Brakes Are a Safety Issue
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, which means stopping power matters. Good brakes can be the difference between a close call and an accident.
During a test ride, you'll feel whether the brakes inspire confidence or concern. Do they stop you smoothly and quickly? Do they feel responsive? Can you modulate them easily, or do they grab suddenly?
Hydraulic disc brakes generally perform better than mechanical brakes, but even within those categories, there's variation. Testing them yourself is the only way to know if they meet your standards.
You'll Discover What You Actually Want
Many customers come in thinking they know exactly what they want, then change their minds after a test ride.
Maybe you thought you wanted maximum speed, but realized a comfortable riding position matters more. Maybe you were focused on battery range but discovered that a lighter bike feels better for your daily commute. Maybe the bike you researched online doesn't feel as good as a different model you hadn't considered.
Test rides open your eyes to possibilities you might have overlooked. They help you make decisions based on real experience, not assumptions.
Online Purchases Are a Gamble
Buying an e-bike online without riding it first is risky. If the bike doesn't fit, feels wrong, or doesn't meet your expectations, you're stuck dealing with returns, shipping costs, and the hassle of starting over.
Even worse, many online sellers offer limited support after the sale. If something goes wrong or needs adjustment, you're on your own.
When you buy from a local e-bike shop after a test ride, you know exactly what you're getting. And you have a team nearby who can help with setup, adjustments, and service.
What to Look for During Your Test Ride
When you come in for a test ride, pay attention to these things:
Comfort: Does the riding position feel natural? Can you see the road ahead easily? Do your arms, back, and neck feel relaxed?
Motor response: Does the assist feel smooth and natural? Does it engage when you want it to? Can you feel the transitions between assist levels?
Braking: Do the brakes stop you confidently? Do they feel responsive and easy to control?
Handling: Does the bike feel stable? Can you turn and maneuver easily? Does the weight feel balanced?
Overall feel: Do you enjoy riding this bike? Does it make you want to ride more?
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. If you feel a smile spreading across your face, that's a good sign.
What to Bring to Your Test Ride
You don't need to bring much, but a few things help:
Wear comfortable clothes you'd normally ride in. If you wear specific shoes for cycling, bring those. If you carry a bag or backpack when you ride, bring it so you can see how the bike handles with your typical load.
We provide helmets if you need one.
Most importantly, bring your questions. Our staff rides e-bikes and knows the products inside and out. We'll give you honest answers, not sales pitches.
Test Ride Multiple Bikes
If you're not sure which bike is right for you, ride more than one. Comparing bikes back-to-back is the fastest way to understand your preferences.
Don't feel rushed. Take the time you need to make the right decision. This is a significant purchase, and we want you to be confident in your choice.
Free E-Bike Test Rides at All Locations
Riding 5 offers free e-bike test rides at all six locations with no appointment necessary. Stop by any of our stores in Claremont, Ontario, Brea, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, or Temecula. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll set you up with a bike to try.
Calling ahead helps us make sure the model you want is available and ready, but walk-ins are always welcome.
No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest test ride to help you find the right e-bike.
Our Locations: Claremont | Ontario | Brea | Long Beach | Huntington Beach | Temecula
Not sure which type of e-bike is right for you? Read our Beginner's Buyer's Guide before your visit.
