Thank you for all the good advice. I guess I just needed a little confirmation to get what I initially wanted to get! Finding an LBS (even in a big city like Toronto) is going to take a miracle. The shop where I go spinning, I thought they would treat me right when I asked about buying a bike. The guy who signs me into spinning class pointed to an Opus Scherzo, which is a Canadian brand, which is now deeply discounted, and said, "That one. Or that one." And he pointed to a bike from Rocky Mountain that was the same price. No invitation to try, no fitting, no asking questions, nothing. It was so clear he wanted a quick sale and for me to get out already.

Well, the search continues for an LBS and a bike, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to help me figure some things out!