Originally Posted by
howellhandmade
It would be worth a trip to an LBS to try bikes for fit. You may find a deal on a leftover that makes used not as great a bargain, and if nothing else narrow your search for used. I'm 6'4" but long legged and short torsoed, so fit better on 60-61cm. You can only tell so much from "information," you have to try. There is some value to expert individual guidance, which your LBS may or may not provide.
I think you are giving sound advice. I also think you are right in telling someone with limited knowledge to try a shop. Where I think differently is when I look at the OP's budget. I can't speak for ALL bike shops but I have NEVER been in any shop that sold any bike for $500. The shops around here don't even sell their bikes equiped with Shimano 2300 for that cheap. One of the local shops here does carry used bikes. Currently the cheapest used bike they have in stock is $600 +tax.
I don't know what the market in Mississippi is like so the OP may have better luck at a shop in his area, but from my personal observatiion the only thing one can get from the LBS with $500 is accesories.