Also, would any of the shops do a Fit-Kit for you, so you could have a better idea of a starting point, size-wise? I can personally attest that the Fit-Kit results are only a guideline, not a written-in-stone measurement, but it helps to know where to begin.

I also second the idea of being willing to travel to another town--well worth the time/effort when you're contemplating spending the amount of money it will take to get the bike you want.
--WG