I talked to my local bike shop several times before buying a bike, I'm 54, never been told I didn't want a drop bar road bike,, I shopped on Craigslist and found my Specialized Allez 56cm bike. I love it, I have 6 rides on it, the 5th was my first half century and Monday night with the club we rode a 29.22 mile ride in 1:35, which was 18.3 mph average, that was killer for me.
I found my Allez with tri bars on it, (160.00) a Cat Eye wireless computer, (100.00 or so) and Speed play pedals, (200.00) along with a 40-50.00 tool kit bag. all for 500.00.
It's a 2010. So I'm not saying DON'T buy a new one from your LBS,,, but there are great deals out there on gently used bikes from private owners.
But if your going to buy a new one, I'd spend a few extra dollars to go with the LBS so they may give you better support after the sale.
I actually took this ad into that dealer, and talked to them. They said they thought it was an EXCELLENT deal,,, which made me even more excited about it.