Originally Posted by maddmaxx
Shop for the shop first, then find out what kind of bikes they can get for you..........
In case you haven't noticed, shops you don't want to do business with announce themselves loudly.
YES. Best advice so far. A good shop will get you into the right bike. You can't ride every model, and at some point they all have a common denominator.
Steel flexes too much?
9 speed is old technology?
Again, find a GOOD LBS with someone who has been around a few years and is a bit older, or at least someone who understands a 50+'r. Then get their advice on an appropriate bike.