Testing a new bike

I'm off to test out a few bikes this week (I've pretty much narrowed it down to a compact road bike) and I have a few questions before I start.

Do you think that I should buy shoes and pedals and take them along to the trail (I've never used them before ) so I'm wondering will it affect my opinion of the bike, or preoccupy me and take away from the experience/opinion?

How long should I ride it for and should I take it on the street or just around the parking lot?

I'm not familiar with gear changing (the newish type that you change through the brake lever) is that easy to get the hang of? and what exercises should I try as far as the gears are concerned?

Is there any thing else I should know before starting my testing ?

Thanks

Yes,take shoes and pedals if they let you and ride as much as you can and ride different bikes as close together as you can. That way the last ride is still fresh.

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When men were men and sheep were scared