Grayson, it's going to take a whole lot more than one trip to one shop to get this right. Please understand that bike shops that sell certain brands are prohibited from selling other brands. This is definitely the case with Specialized.

You did a very good thing by taking the bike out for a 7 mile ride. Most people just toodle around the parking lot, but as you found out, you can get alot more information on a longer ride. You also are very wise to not fall for the sales tactics that some shops employ to clear their sales floor regardless of the appropriateness of the bike to the customer.

Since you have given yourself until the spring to figure this whole thing out (more kudos!), I really encourage you to work bike shop visits into whatever travels you have planned over the upcoming holidays and/or work trips. It seems like you will not get your dream bike at the one local shop, and all the stomping of feet will not change that. If you end up having to hit all the (good) shops in DC, then just consider that a part of getting the right bike. Even better, work it into a little vacation to the Nation's Capital. If you do go to DC, be sure to post on TE and I and others will give you some good advice on what shops to go to.

I'm suggesting DC because you are in West Virginia, which is not all that far from DC (people commute between WV and DC), but perhaps there's another city that is closer. In any case, I think you get the idea.

Start saving your money now and take your time to ride lots of bikes between now and the spring.