For what its worth I didn't even have to haggle with my LBS to get the 7.3 fx for 619. That is what he was in the computer. So I went ahead and bought it. I like it. I can definitely understand why you are looking at the comfort bikes. Shopping around is never a bad thing, hopefully you can find a LBS that lets you get an extended test ride. My shop has a bike path right beside it, they allowed me to go ahead and take it out, and take as much time as I needed.