Hi Bonnie. Welcome to TE. I now own four bikes because what you are describing happened to me in a store in Brampton. (My first bike was sold to me by a store that didn't stock womens bikes and I don't know if they were even available in '93!) I was actually steered to a comfort bike in 2008 because I was having wrist problems and was told that was the only solution. It was a quick easy sale because I was unsure and easily convinced. I don't like that bike. I keep it at work for running errands at lunch. I started reading and found TE learned a lot about bikes and I ended up with a Dolce Elite. Love the bike. No wrist problems because of proper fitting. I bought a WSD mountain bike (Trek bike store in Toronto) to do trails and just bought a steel Surly for gravel roads. (Not enough hours in my life to ride all the bikes I own! LOL) Stick to your guns and try as many road bikes as you can find in your size. I can't suggest a shop in Toronto because I have only dealt with the Trek Store there. The Dolce was fluke because it just fit so perfectly from the floor. When I bought my Surly I had to come to forums here for reassurance and a push to get what I wanted because the stores were directing me away from steel. The women on this forum rock! Have fun shopping. I found that if you are a little assertive (certainly not aggressive!
) that you can usually find some one that will pay attention to your wants.
Lucy 2012 Surly Cross Check
Sally 2009 Specialized Dolce Elite
Peppermint Patty 2009 Trek 4500 WSD
Marcie 2008 Giant Sedona
Violet 1994 Norco Kokanee