I went back to the LBS today and was put on the trainer with the "resident fit-guru" I mentioned in a previous post. He dialed in some changes (added shims, switched out the stem, changed the saddle, etc) and gave me advice on my position.

I don't have my shoes yet and he wants me to return once they arrive to really dial in the fit. The shoes are supposed to be delivered this Friday. So hopefully early next week I can go back and get a real fitting session done.

I was told that the fitting session was included in the purchase but I have no clue why it wasn't offered to me when I bought the bike?!

After he made his changes I took the bike for a quick spin. Arms/hands are better but had some mild aches in my shoulders so am not 100% convinced yet.

Anyhow, I'm going to hold out and get a real fit done and see what happens. I feel like I'm taking a leap of faith here if I still have minor aches after he finishes tweaking things. I would honestly be totally surprised if there was a bike out there that didn't cause me to be sore in some ways since this is new to me. GLC1968, I feel exactly what you said...there are differences in discomfort from poor fit vs. lack of fitness and I'm not sure what is what.

My gut tells me to give this a shot now that someone with better experience is helping me out. I also feel the longer this goes on, the less chance of a refund if it doesn't work out. I guess I'll stay within the "30 days" mentioned on the website and go from there since if they were going to give me a hassle with it, that was my reason for feeling I was in the right to want my money back.

Crossing my fingers it will work out with this bike, though. Thanks, everyone for your advice and encouragement. My BF was going nutty hearing me talking about this so it was nice to have everyone here to bounce ideas off of. I will keep you updated.