The thing is, Hussam (the owner at ATA) is super nice to me, even though he has no idea what I need. But, I do get what you mean. I fall into a category that he doesn't know how to deal with. I am not a young racer type and I don't even do fast club rides. But I ride over 3K a year at a decent pace and cycling is most definitely the biggest part of my life style. I also am not a newbie who is looking for a cruiser. DH has referred several people from work there and they all have been very happy, including one woman. I think he saw that I could afford the Kuota I bought and thought he would take advantage of that. I guess I won in the end... I loved it when my former exchange student who was a pro for a few years went in the shop with me and told him "Don't you think you can do something for her?" when it was quite obvious I could not reach the brakes in the drops on the original frame they sold me.
I bought my Jamis Coda Femme at Quad... I researched it, knew what I wanted and they had a 44cm in the shop. DH picked up a Coda Sport. I am sure the guy thought we were old and unfit people looking for a little fun. We were in and out in 2 hours. But, i have heard about their condescending attitude toward women riders.