Yeah....I went on one of those "fact finding" missions last month. Came home 6 hours later with my new bike!

I took my dad with me who has become obsessed with biking the past 4 years. He was very helpful with what I needed and wanted. The LBS I ended up buying at had a machine that could measure my arm length, leg length, etc., and fitted me with the right size bike. (The first few stores just eyed me and guessed which wasn't that helpful.) The LBS where I purchased my bike were very involved in helping me find the right bike for me as well as treating me equal to all the other customers in there. I'm not your typical fit bike chick and I really felt the first 3 stores didn't take me too seriously. It all came together, though, and I bought at the final store and have been very happy with my new ride and all of their help. Good luck and can't wait to hear what you decide on.