"plus-sized" biker riding STP - should I get a new bike?

[stpbound]

STPBound - Where are you, and do you need a bike shop? Just say the word, and TE can innundate you with recommendations!

I'm in Seattle and have been using mainly REI to get all my biking gear. I bought my bike from Recycled Cycles (new). Are there better, more helpful places that you recommend?

Also, if I do decide to get a road bike, is there a shop that will let you actually take the bikes out for more than a couple of blocks to test them?

Thanks, Knot!

stpbound