Wiseowl,
I also share a similar story. Arthritis in the knee ended all dreams of a marathon but I fell back in love with biking after a long hiatus.

I skipped the trial bike though. I rode my Look and it felt like MINE. So I went for it. It's a little embarrassing when people notice the novice on a bike that inspires great devotion. But there are reasons great bikes inspire great devotion. They make it so much fun! Grown women CAN have dessert first.

And your point about fit cannot be overemphasized. Fit is everything. My fit issue is the opposite, I'm 6' with a 35" inseam. But I don't have the reach or upper body strength a man my height would. So it may have been easier to find a bike, but the fit still had to be tweaked. Love my LBS!

Enjoy your pretty bike!