The Demo Series has proved exceptionally popular since it launched in Cannock last October, with the roadshow continuing through to Bedgebury, Afan, back to Cannock and this weekend, it’s up to Grizedale.

Why are they so popular? The chance to test ride the newest bikes from Specialized, Giant and Trek is the simple answer. Oh and it’s free, too.

All you have to do is turn up to the Demo Series, along with a couple of pieces of identification and your favourite pedals, and you can take your pick of the available bikes. The bike will be expertly set up for you including, if it’s a full suspension model you want to ride, the front and rear shocks. You’ll be talked through the various defining features of the bike too, so when you hit the trail you’ll be able to get the most out of the bike.

Each Demo Series venue has been chosen to be easy to get to and make use of existing facilities, with a separate demo loop that offers a challenging 30-40 minute ride. Short yes but enough time to put a bike through its paces, and allows you to take out several bikes in one day. Handy if you’re choosing between two models that you’re interested in buying, but can’t quite make up your mind.

We asked organiser Paul Davis to tell us about the demo loop at the upcoming Grizedale round: “The route starts with a short fire road climb to get you warmed up, then turns right then left to follow the North Face trail.

“The North Face trail has some lovely rocky single track climbing to start with, great for testing out the bikes climbing ability around some tight corners and rocky off camber sections.

“At the top it joins a fire road briefly before descending 1km down a natural rocky bridleway path which will test the bikes suspension / handling to the full. Total time is around 40 minutes.”

Now that you know what is involved with a Demo Series, why don’t you head along to Grizedale Forest, Lake District this Saturday and test out a few bikes? We’ll see you there.

Find out all you need to know about the Demo Series here.