Hi, another newbie here – these boards are great.

I’m buying my first bike since my long-ago Schwinn 3-speed (with a pretty white basket on the front), and I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m 5’2” and I have neck/shoulder issues, so handlebar fit/comfort is really important to me. How do I get an lbs to work with me on handlebar adjustments in the test riding phase? The lbs folks all put me on a 15” inch bike to test ride (if they even have one) and assure me that they’ll be able to make appropriate adjustments with the handlebars once I choose a bike to buy, but that makes me really nervous. Are they right? Should I be focusing on other aspects of the ride at this point?

I’ve tried the Trek 7200fx, Specialized crossroads, Giant Cypress DX, and Trek 7100. The Cypress had my favorite handlebars, but the ride seemed sluggish. I liked the ride of the 7200fx better, but wasn't sure about the reach as set up. Plus, all the Trek dealers I’ve gone into (I live in the Los Angeles area) have been pretty snobby - is that a Trek thing? I'd keep going to more shops, but noone seems to keep many 15" bikes in stock to test ride.

Any ideas anyone can share? Am I expecting too much from the lbs, Trek or otherwise? I'm notorious for overthinking everything, and maybe I am here, too.

Thanks, Cathy