I'd also like to chime in defense of the 'go to a bike shop' thing. If you're cycling, you will be going in to your LBS, sooner or later. Going in to ask some quick, general questions is a really good way to gauge how they'll treat you down the road.

A few shops I went to gave me a good ballpark in a few minutes, but said 'if you want to be professionally fit, then it's free with the purchase of a bike from us, or $X if you just want the fitting alone (usually $75-150).' They were nice. Nowadays, I give them money.

A few shops were rude... tried to push me into a certain brand, or type of bike, or gave me the brush off. I don't give them a cent, and warn other people away as much as possible.