I guess I just got lucky...when I bought my bike I didn't have a clue. Bought the first one I stood over. The LBS owner checked standover height and asked if the handlebar was covering the hub while I was seated. That was it. I either got lucky that the fit was right or I just got used to the fit. I was very uncomfortable at first but attributed it to not riding for 25 years.

So what should a newbie look for in fit? LBS won't let you take the bike further than the parking lot right? How do you know if it fits you? How do you know if it's comfortable if you just ride it around the parking lot? I don't understand all the talk about sloping tubes, etc. Anyone have the short, concise version for newbies? I do know about saddle height but that's about it. I played around with moving my saddle forward and back to relieve elbow pain but don't know where it's "supposed" to be...other than front of knee over pedal spindle. How stretched out or upright are you supposed to be? Or is it all individual preference?