I mostly go to Bicycle Habitat but I do like Roy's out in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn as they are the closest shop to me and good when I need something fast and can't get into the city. I have been to a few other shops but overall Bicycle Habitat has always been very helpful if there was an issue with my bike. I had a suspension fork issue and they were very helpful with calling Trek and getting them to send me a new part under warranty and they got it done fast. When you buy a bike you also want to have in mind that the shop will help you out if there is ever an issue. Like others have said you should try out as much bikes as possible to see what suits you best so definatly look at geared bikes and see how they compare.