Originally Posted by one4smoke

So, when buying a new bike, one will obviously debate all the pros and cons of the two or three one has narrowed it down to. When asking for advice on them, "ride all that you like and choose the one that feels the best to you" will invariably follow. Great advice, but therein lies the problem...

Within a 100 mile radius, you're lucky to find a LBS that even has one of the several you're considering, much less in your exact size (especially x-large). Oh, all can get one in for you, ...if paid upfront. If not paid-in-full, at least half down. Non-refundable, with applying the amount to store credit is the best possible option most will offer.

Bike shops don't want to "be stuck" with a bike they might have a hard time selling, buy yet expects a customer to buy (or be commited to them only) first without seeing the bike up close and taking some test rides.

Any logical solutions to this dilemma that won't put either at a disadvantage?