So I'm in the process of trying out bikes, and I need some tips.

So DC has a lot of shops, but a lot of them will only carry one size of a particular bike, often the wrong one. If I wanted to test ride a certain size that the shop didn't have, could they order it for me to try? And then if I didn't want it how much of a problem would that be? I understand they would rather sell one off the floor, but if they don't have my size. It also makes it difficult to compare sizes to see which feels better.

Is there a protocol for this, or do I just call all the shops to see if they have the model I want in the size I want?

What size do you want?

This.

A shop isn't going to order a bicycle just for you to try. I suspect you'd have to put down a fairly healthy deposit on it if you wanted them to order in a bicycle.

And yes ... call around to all the shops and see what they've got in stock.

And what bike are you looking for? Some of the larger brands will have demo days, you just have to figure out when and where.

I was interested in the Fuji Gran Fondo 2.0, size M/L. I haven't seen it anywhere yet, and I've called around. I will keep looking.

Yes, Call them ahead. Even if they dont have the exact bike you want they may have a trim level higher or lower in your size. Since you have several bike shops in your area, go visit 4, 5, 6, 7. Bring your pedals, shoes, good shorts. I did this found some great bikes I didn't even expect to like. I ride a 54-55cm so this size is common.

I highly recommend explaining your situation to the fitter at the shop and be clear what you want, but allow him to make recommendations. Challagne the recommendation to make sure yo understand his Point of View. Dont this is an interactive process do not be passive. Both the shopper and fitter/sales guy should learn something about eachother in this process. The more engaging you are the more the can help you understand why a certain bike may or may not work for you.

You don't say what part of the DC area you are in, but here are two upcoming demo days where the manufacturer brings in a whole bunch of bikes for people to demo:

April 21: Trails' End Cycling Co. Purcelleville VA
Eddy Merckx and Pinarello

April 28: The Bike Lane, Reston Town Center
Trek

How do you know exactly what size bike you need? I get the impression you are new to cycling. I recommend you just go to the LBS and try out a bunch of stuff. I've ridden a 54, a 56 and my current bike is a 52. I fit all of them just fine. They are built to be adjustable. Don't obsess over a number.

So I'm going to drop $2-$3,000 on a bicycle, and you say don't worry about the frame size? I genuinely feel this is terrible advice.

I don't think he is saying don't worry about the frame size. He is saying you can make some adjustments to make a slightly too small or slightly too large frame work. The other thing that he is implying (or perhaps I just inferred) is that one manufacturers 54 is another's 56, as there are few universally accepted measuring practices. To buy a bike sight unseen, you have to be fairly versed in reading geometry charts, and to say you are a 56 in every manufacturer's system would be incorrect.

Test ride some bikes, even if you are not interested in them specifically, to learn what geometry is comfortable. Then remember the pertinent details, and compare anything you look at to those numbers. Some manufacturers give stack and reach, which break down a bike into two incredibly easy numbers to compare size and fit.

Good luck.

What Roll CNY says above^^. Don't assume that because you currently ride a 56 (or whatever size you think you need) that every bike a size 56 will be the same. My point was, don't obsess over a number. Go to the LBS and start riding different bikes. Find one you like, adjust for comfort and enjoy. Who cares what the stupid number is on the size sticker?

Exactly. I had a 56 cyclocross bike, and just assumed I'd need the same size in a roadbike. My shop had a 56 Specialized Roubaix that I rented, and that seemed about perfect for me. When I wanted to rent a Tarmac, they had 54 or 58. I got the 58 and worked out very well, so well that I bought one.

Silver Cycles in Silver Spring, MD carries Fuji. Great shop

Ah, I thought you were saying don't worry about the size of the bike, and ride whatever they have on the floor. Advice taken.

Performance carries Fuji. Check out the storte closest to where you live. If they don't have that model in your size, they should be able to transfer one from another store. Another choice is test ride another model in the size you want; many Fuji's use the same frame or at least similar geometry. You can check their website.

pgjackson's advice is good - there's a great deal of variation between manufacturer's on sizing. Fuji used to me one that was really different because they measured from the bottom braacket to top of seatpost. So their 56 ran about the same as a 54.

My first two bikes were 54 (Fuji and Felt). My next bike was a Giant M/L, which is about a 56 (definately bigger than a 54). My current bike is a 52. They all ride differently, but they all fit just fine. A place like PB is a great place to start because they have a lot of bikes to choose from.