I have a person introduced through a friend who potentially is interested in buying a bike I have for sale. For context, it's a 2013 full suspension bike that's been well maintained and in great condition.

He's asking if he can borrow it for a test ride around White Water Center. I'm thinking no and was wondering is it even reasonable to want to test the bike on a trail before buying. What if he wrecks and causes damage to the bike? That would an awkward situation.

I was thinking more along the lines of a parking lot test to make sure it fits, shifts properly, brakes work and that there are no weird noises from the suspension or linkage or anything when bouncing on the bike.

If it were a $2k+ bike then perhaps more justification for a trail test. It's a first for me being asked this but then I've only 2 sold bikes prior to this.

Interested in hearing what others think.

Assuming you have another set of wheels, just ride with him! Lay it out that it's you break it you buy it.  Let's be honest though, bikes are durable and the likelihood of breaking it beyond a reasonable amount of $$ is low.  Your decision but if it were me I'd let em take it for a spin.

OK thanks for the replies. It seems the general consensus is that is most are OK with obliging to a test ride on a trail. 

I think I'll suggest a test at a short local trail, WWC is just too far out to go and find it's a waste of time. Something like the short track at Rennie Park. That has a bit of everything and should have enough to get a feel of the bike.

@mountainbike90, yes I removed the pricing as I decided I may list the bike for sale online and wanted a 'clean slate' for pricing.

Solar wrote on 08/18/19 at 11:49pm:


I'd like to volunteer to be the person who holds the cash for you...don't worry, you can, uh, trust me   

Think you are on point with a low key local ride with you in attendance. As previously stated I’d draw up a bill of sale and treat it as a post sale ride with right of return at the end there-of. It may seem excessive to some but it ensures that all parties have a similar understanding of what’s going on before things go sideways.

Honestly, i would absolutly let them demo it and really be confident in the purchase, especially since they are introduced through a friend.  Or alternatively,  if you dont want to drive as far or wait while he rides, let your mutual friend go for a ride with him. 

If you're selling a walmart bike on craigslist, agreed that a test ride is out of line, but sounds like youre selling a decent bike to someone that is somewhat trustworthy, and i think a decent test ride is a very reasonable ask to make sure they actually like the bike. I wouldnt buy in that condition without one. A few years ago i test rode a friends bike up at wilsons creek (without supervision) for 20+ miles and came back and immediately purchased it from him... which i pribably wouldnt have done without a proper ride...

And sure, make it clear that if he damages anything, then he either buys it or at a minimum has to replace the part at a fair cost.