I agree, except that in my (limited) experience the independent bicycle shops are much less helpful about test rides than Halford's is. And sometimes rather too keen/pushy to do business.
I guess that would depend on the shop in question. In my case, my LBS couldn't have been more helpful, I basically spent a whole Saturday morning in there, asking questions about every aspect of the bikes, I tested just about every bike in the shop, couldn't decide, so went back a few weeks later and rode them all again, they were happy to let me try all the bikes for as long as I wanted, and eventually I made up my mind and ordered one. When it arrived I didn't even have to collect it, they delivered it to my home. When the bike was due it's first service, they came and got it, at a time that suited me, carried out the service, and returned it to me the same day.
Their service and customer care has been exemplary.
There's a lot of horror stories these days concerning poor customer care, so reading this thread has prompted me to give praise where it's due.
The shop in question? Electrifying Cycles.