I just bought my first bike and I am very hard to please I will admit and take a good amount of time to research before I buy anything.

I went into my LBS one day and spent about a hour and a half test ridding several bikes and talking. I went home done some research and went to another bike shop a day later and spent about twenty min their. The guy seemed pre occupied and wanted to go do something else. I came back and the sales person I had talked to first was not their so I spent a few mins looking around while casually talking to another (I was very pleased with the first sales associate and wanted to talk with that person). I did more solo research then went back and talked to the first sales person tried some shorts/jerseys on etc. I then told her I was wanting to get a Trek 2.1 they made sure they had one and I picked it up the next day.

Accessories was important also they helped a lot and will go back and get some of the stuff I need. we spent about 30 min to a hour.

I went to the store 3 times.

I was swayed more by the person than personal research. They were all willing to help in anyway and answered all my questions.

I picked the store due to what they offered. How much they were willing to work with me (newbie). I purchased my bike from them and will continue to get service etc from them. Plus future bike purchases. Too me the experience is just as important as a good product. I love my Trek and the experience. They helped me find routes to work so I can commute and everything else I needed.

Hope this helped.