When I bought my current bike, I was all ready to purchase one when my consultant suggested I look at another. I tried the other, and it did "feel" better in some way I can't describe. So that idea of trying several does make sense. I was surprised. I never would have thought there would be a difference I could notice.

Your own preferences rule, but if you think you might ride a lot, and you accept the challenge of doing it in all weather, then eventually you will ride in rain. Fenders are really nice for that, and not all bikes have the attachment points for fenders. I discovered this AFTER I bought my bike.