Thanks for the quick responses!

Bikertrash, as you indicate I'd like to go with the local shop. But I'm the type to shop around, research alternatives, and try to make an informed decision. I liked the Trek Lime, but can't get myself to buy the first and only bike I've tried! ;-)

TCS, I don't even know what a "trigger shift" is (definite newbie here). If it's the ones with levers you push with your thumbs I definitely can't do it; the joints at the base of my thumbs are particularly bad. Or is it something else?

I was thinking of trying out a bike with the twisting shifter this weekend just to see. I'd assumed that you would need to use a certain amount of force, otherwise you'd be shifting inadvertently. But we all know about assuming things! As long as you don't have to grip the handlebars very hard (the thumbs again).

Never even heard of the "back pedal bump" option and that might be a good one - thanks so much! I was hoping to uncover more options on this forum and you've definitely come thru. Time to do more research!

Thanks again - any other suggestions will be warmly welcomed,

Barb