Originally Posted by
dirtyhippy
I am hesitant to suggest that the OP use his LBS to get info/test rides and then buy a bike elsewhere. However, buying used is definitely the way to go for a "first" bike. If you have a LBS that deals in used bikes, that would be ideal.
Understood concern. As someone else posted, that used bike might come from the LBS. I didn't think that all the way through and agree with you that using the LBS as the showroom for the internet is not a kind thing to do.