Need help with bike size

[goldfinch]

It is only right to have the bike shop work so hard on your fit if you are upfront about the fact you are not going to be buying from them. In that case, I would offer to pay for the fitting help.

Feeling bad doesn't make up for using the bike shop without paying for the service. Rationalization about your other support only counts if they say it counts. You need to be upfront with them.

[Owlie]

If I go into a shop to look or pick brains, I am very upfront in saying that I'm a student in no position to buy, but could I test out a few bikes? Then I'll buy something, generally. Tubes or nutrition or a pair of gloves...something so they get at least some money for their time. I do have an idea of what I want/need in a bike (unless it's a mountain bike; then I'm useless) and what fits me, so the amount of work that the shop has to put in is somewhat less than if I were walking in with no idea what size bike I needed. If that were the case, I'd offer to pay at least something for their time.

Most bike shop employees understand that it's a major purchase, and at least you'll be able to get a cursory sizing, and an opinion on unisex vs WSD if the shop employee is paying attention, maybe ride a few bikes and start getting an idea of what you like and don't like.