Hmm.. understand where you're coming from since I'm shopping myself.

I'd take Velogirl's suggestion to heart. She'd know.

In my travels I seem to have found Giant offered decent bikes for the price. I thought Specialized wasn't too bad either.

You're in luck in that it's just about the time when new inventory comes in so lots of shops are looking to get rid of 06 or even 05 stock. Don't give up.. just keep looking.

I was even going to the diff shops to try out the new bikes and figure out what size I am and to see which ones I had a penchant for so that I'd be somewhat more informed when looking on craigslist. Plus it's fun and I learn a lot.

Giant is offering their retailers some sort of discount right now til the end of the month so many of the Giant retailers are having sales.

It's hard looking for a bike if you're a smaller women cuz most shops have only like 1 bike for you to test ride. At least that's what I found. Just keep trying. I just have the attitude that if they can't treat me nice when I'm tryign to give them money.. heck, what are they gonna be like after the sale?? Just move on to a place that makes you feel welcome and will work with you.