Thanks so much for the replies everyone.

Yeah, I don't want to buy off the internet. I was considering it at one point. But I realize I don't want to order something that I don't get to test drive first. So i am going to narrow it down to what I can buy from the stores around me.

I still have many stores to check out. So far I have only checked out Bikes By George (whom, according to the bike shops I checked out and talked to afterwards, was basically about to rip me off by selling me an Origin8 for $495); Landmark Vintage, they only sold vintage bikes but the guy there was super helpful nonetheless and helped point me in the right direction; Busy Bee Bikes, very helpful and extremely informative, and I am considering getting the KHS Urban Soul from there; and NYC Velo, also very helpful and informative, right now I am leaning strongly towards getting the Felt Brougham from there.

sharmaji, I live in the East Village. I plan on checking out some more stores tomorrow. I'll probably go to Sid's, Bicycle Habitat, and some others. Can you guys recommend some other good bike shops that are trusted and have good reputations?

Thanks