Thanks everyone for your feedback. I got tired of crunching numbers and my head was so full of facts and numbers last night that it was almost spinning. Today I even considered a custom bike. But, I think I need to get accustomed to the road position and let my neck and shoulders relax and find my best position before I consider that option.

Quote Originally Posted by KnottedYet View Post
None of the shops I go to *don't* do that! How on earth can they expect you to buy a bike you've never even ridden!?!? Ooooh, that gets right up my nose!

If they won't bring in a size unless you promise to buy it, I'd consider driving out a couple hours or so to find a shop that will bring in the size.

I can understand wanting pre-payment if you were looking at a bike they don't normally carry (say a Rivendell Saluki or a Soma), but you are asking about a very popular bike THEY ALREADY CARRY, just a size they are missing right now!
Exactly!!! I just don't under stand that. The other night I asked two young guys at a shop if people order their bike sight unseen if they don't fit on the next size up and down. They said yes. That idea makes me nervous, if I can't return the bike without a 100% refund.

Well, today Hubby drove for 45 minutes to a shop outside of town, one we found on the internet. I think we finally found our dream LBS. He called me while he was there and asked how I'd feel about being able to bring a 56 cm Roubaix home and ride it for the weekend and see how I feel on it. ARE YOU KIDDING???!!!!!??? (There isn't enough room to add enough big smiles to demonstrate my joy over this.) We'll take his old road bike there to get measured, as he loves the fit of it and wants a bike that fits like that one.

They also have a trainer and a fitter with impressive background credentials. They do computerized fittings and told my husband that I will not leave their store without a bike that fits.

NONE of the other stores we visited offered to go to this length. When we asked, they answered as if we were asking to borrow a lot of money. I can't understand why they think they can't sell the bike if I don't buy it -- I'm not 8 feet tall so whatever bike I'd order shouldn't be hard to sell.