I walked into lbs once as needed to try on helmets.
Being the impulsive tit that I am walked out with a brand new Van Nich bike which looked like a great buy only to find I didn’t gel with it. The fact that Sram Apex gearing was shockingly bad in many ways.
I soon realised whilst riding it after 2nd ride, that I’m a baggy shorts kinda guy who’s faster on his singlespeed mtb on the road.
Shame as the frame itself was a real piece of art for the price. Nothing quite as specially mastered with that certain touch as a Merlin but still…
I would however recommend test riding whatever it is you do choose in titanium as they do vary in give due to many factors primarily the tube shape of the front triangle which can dictate a smooth ride or a overly stiff one.