Originally Posted by
badgnome
Test rides might be hard unless it is something like a Surly which sells complete bikes as well as frame/fork combos and available locally.
Is there no LBS convienient for you? You don't necessarily need to ride the frame you ultimately want to buy, just ride several different bikes to get a feel for what geometry you really want. Ride a couple high end road bikes, a couple rec/touring bikes, and a CX if available and try to pay attention to what geometry works best for you. Then use those frame dimensions in deciding which frame to order.