Do you have a friend with "bike smarts"? If yes, have them accompany you when looking for a bike. They may notice things about a bike that you may not. Or if there is a bike club in your area, maybe contact them to see if any members have a used bike for sale. Chances are, if they are a member of a club, they will know something about bikes, want to promote the sport, and might be sincere in helping you choose the right bike for you. No guarantee, but some ideas to think about.