It's not that small, you're right! But the friends I have that do ride have admitted to me that they don't really know enough to feel that they could help me out. I'm gonna check out the bike shop at school to get some more advice but I don't know if anyone who volunteers there would be willing to take time out of their day to drive out and test with me. I'm not above asking, I just don't know how likely that is. My step-dad bikes but only very casually and he thinks I'm stupid for considering used anyway (he thinks I should shell out $800-$1200 that I don't have for something shiny and new) so... that's my situation.

I've posted on my school forums to see if there's anyone who'd be willing to take a look with me so we'll see where that goes.