Don't worry about perfect. As you get to be a better rider, what you like may change, or minor details that don't bother you now will start to bother you. It's just like any other activity . A longer test ride may help you shake out some of the minor details early.

If you're interested in grocery shopping on a bike, check whether the ones you like best can take fenders and racks. That way you can pick a bike that will grow with you a bit more. That also gives you the option of commuting or touring . Oh, and drop handlebars don't *have* to be super-low. Touring and cyclocross bikes have higher handlebars (and tend to take fenders and racks easily).