Quote Originally Posted by derailed View Post
It's such a large investment that it's worth a bit of travel to a well stocked shop.
Perhaps you can do some digging online, and make an appointment at a shop with a good stock?

I offered to pay for the service woman's time when she helped me try on bikes knowing I would not buy there due to distance.
I would be happy to pay someone for help like that. I happy also to pay for a test ride or demo program.

I think the whole dealership issue makes it hard. I asked the fitter (& owner) at the lbs I'm going to if I wanted something that was not a brand he carried, could he get it and build it for me. (Thinking, if the fit goes well, I feel comfy with the shop, I'd try to buy as support).

He said if another dealership has that brand tied up, then "no". Or, some company's will only sell to the shop in quantities. So, then again "no". I understand. But, it makes it hard for me to spend my $ there if they don't end up having what I want or need. It's kinda a frustrating two way situation.