Originally Posted by cyccommute
Sorry. I kinda tacked my thoughts on newbies and on-line bicycle purchases onto your post in answer to CycleAloha's comments on them being good bikes for newbies.
By the way I agree on the Kikapu. It's a pretty good deal for a good bike. You'd be hard pressed to do better.
All good points by cyccommute and Santiago, online worked for me but not the only answer. You can't beat the one on one that an LBS provides.
Again, unfortunately I'm in HI where the prices for even entry level are a good 10-20% above mainland prices.
Also, for the fitting question as stated above there is no solid formula...again where the LBS comes in real handy.