Thanks again, everyone, lots of food for thought here.

So I have perused the LBS sites, but with the exception of the Giant Seek, not many of them have the brands recommended, just similar ones (i.e. I found the Giant Escape 0, but not the Giant Escape City, etc.) So I was thinking maybe I should order one online, but then I would not be able to be fitted.

Is a "bike fitting" at a LBS important? Or can you do it yourself somehow?

If I bought a bike from bikesdirect website, how would I know what my size is? They have a sizing chart, but how would I know how long I want the seat tube, etc?