The only thing I would add to the "try bikes" mantra is:

Don't go to the LBS on Saturday and expect them to be able to give you as much un-harried time as they could on a weekday afternoon.

The place I bought mine (in MA) was an absolute zoo on the weekends, so I did all my business with them while the rest of the world was at work (M-F, btn 9-5).

spazz