Thanks for your responses! I'm sure I'll be visiting all the bike stores in my area (research, doncha know), and will be paying attention to staff and stock alike. At the tiny shop with all the shoes/clips/gear I was welcomed by two women around my own age (mid-50s) who seemed to really like bikes and enjoy working there -- a good sign. The closest store to me is populated by twenty-somethings, they seem to have lots of customers test-riding bikes and a brisk business going on, maybe too brisk to say hello to someone new walking in, but their mechanical work seems quite competent. The big Performance Bike nearest me has fewer bikes and more clothing, but the staff seems professional. There's an American Cycle and Fitness not too far away, and a couple of others I want to look at.

It's easy for me to get overwhelmed by all the bikes and gear, and forget to see what the staff is like. Thanks for reminding me how important that is!