I know what you're going through. They want to sell what they want to move not what suits your needs. Go to REI.com and view the bikes by category with features and watch the videos print out the specs of the bikes that fit your needs (commuting, cyclocross, touring etc..) then take those around and say I need a bike comparable to this in this price range that has similiar features. If they don't or won't go elsewhere. Get what you want at a price you can afford. Also try craigslist.