When I was shopping for bikes the other day, my LBS asked me if they could hold onto my CC and license and told me to go ride the bike where ever I liked for how ever long I liked. They also included a lengthy (3+ hour) fitting with a person that fits bikes for a living, not some HS kid on vacation who took a few hour class one weekend on bikes.

There are cheaper places then a LBS to buy from, so my recommendation would be to buy from a LBS that you enjoy working with and that treats you well. If you have to travel a few miles further to find one, or pay a few dollars more to work with one, I think it would be well worth it.

Personally, buying a bike without a test ride would be like buying a shoe never having tried it on. Just wouldn't do it.