Originally Posted by tatfiend

LBS's seem to vary considerably in the helpfulness and attitude of personnel. It can also vary depending on who is working on the day that you go in. I would ask about a fitting to the bike I was interested in purchasing. Some areas of fit are quite subjective such as bar height. This is dependent on customer age, flexibility, fitness level and intended use and can change as riding experience and condition level increase.

Generally speaking the bars will be set higher and slightly closer on a touring bike than on a sports bike, both with drop handlebars for instance. Flat handlebar bikes generally set you more upright normally and cruisers set you almost fully upright for most people. Each intended for different purposes and riding intensities.

My LBS I use most has a large collection of stems that are used to get the bar fit right on a bike. They also adjust seat height, angle and horizontal position while you are pedaling with the bike clamped in a trainer.