Thanks, guys. Here’s my core question. I bought my bike initially at lbs and almost immediately (after doing decent amount of homework) thought oops I goofed. So I am a little spooked having screwed up last time.

I’m an avid golfer and know a lot about golf, getting fitted for golf clubs, etc. I know from this experience that the more I understand going into a buying process the better the result will be - and I’d really like to ride 3-4 times a week for 2-3-4 hours.

I have budget for a decent new bike, but also don’t mind spending less.

So let’s just assume a new bike. And I take the point that it’s the overall mesh of the bike and the rider that matters. For the kinds of rides I want (mainly this is about fitness - some hilly bike path riding locally and some lite trail rides) what’s critical vs nice to have? Spend money on lighter frame/lesser components or the opposite? Or
modest on bike and get better accessories (shoes, pedals, etc).

Finally how do you test the fit? What do you pay attention to in a brief ride? How can you predict numbness, etc?

I really am a newbie. But I want to ride and love it again.