I can only speak from my experience (which isn't much!), but here goes . . . except for having to drive all over the southeast, I had fun test riding bikes. One shop in downtown Atlanta needed to make a copy of my driver's license in case I took off with the bike, but most shops just adjusted the saddle and told me to take off. I spent different amounts of time at the different shops, depending on how much I liked the bike I was testing, and how much effort the sales staff was putting into trying to get the sale. However, I never felt pressured by any of them. This is their job, and they understand that they will not sell a bike to every person that takes a test ride. Also remember that they want a happy customer.

I think finding the right bike is a bit like finding the right mate -- you will "just know" when you find the right one. It really will feel right. It will also probably cost more than you had planned to spend, but doesn't everything? Just take your time and ride lots of bikes. After riding a few you will have some ideas of what you like and don't like and what feels good and what doesn't. Hope that helps.

KB