Although I worked in a bike shop back in the States, many of the brands here are unfamilier to me save a few like Trek, Giant and Specialized. Anyone have andy negative feedback on a certain brand? Who should I avoid?

Onto my Etc. Is it wiser to buy in another country, and just pay the tax here? AND, could anyone recomend a good road bike store, new or used, around the areas of Lausanne, Geneva, or Freibourg? I need to get into a store and have some looks.
Lastly, any good internet sites in English? Most of the ones I found on here via searches are in Deutsch.

Thanks so much!