I have limited experience in dealing with bike shops when shopping for a bike and am not sure what factors you are using to determine with whom to do business with. I would presume someone that is honest and will help you pick out a bicycle that you will be happy with--actually knowing about the differences between the bicycles, what is a good value, their tradeoffs between makes, models, and types of bikes, etc.

Personally, I've only been to the three bike shops closest to me Downriver and to a few of the American Cycle and Fitness shops in the area (where I purchased my bike) and I don't have much input in that regard because I don't remember much about the process--I basically just wanted a decent bike for road cycling and went with an entry level hybrid--I don't remember my mindset and don't think I was all that picky.

However, it would probably would help others to give you a recommendation if you gave more info about what type of riding and/or bike you are interested in. I believe "a new bike", more so than in the past, is a bit vague--and in a major metropolitan area, I believe some shops may have a little more selection in a certain type or types of bikes.