Originally Posted by
tatfiend
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.
My LBS does this too.
In fact, they won't let you take a bike for a test ride until after they've made these basic fitting adjustments and watched you in the trainer for a bit. I was a half-hour in the trainer while we fiddled with saddle height and position, bar height and reach (replacing the stem), then finally lever position. Only after we were all satisfied, then they let me loose.
Naturally, the bike felt so great I bought it. Then it was back into the trainer for fine tuning.
I've seen them do the same thing with first-time buyers looking at entry-level hybrids.