Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,267
Likes: 6,631
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Your local bike shop is likely to have all of that and you can try it on especially the helmet and shoes which are very important to try on in person.
In terms of pure research the actual manufacturers website will generally have the best info out there. I happen to love Lazer Helmets but Giro, ABUS, Specialized and others make some good helmets. Shoes I like my Shimano shoes I have wider feet and the wides fit pretty decently but Sidi and Lake are generally well regarded if you have really wide feet. Some bike shops do have online shops but the manufacturer usually has better info for research.
Good luck on your recovery.