WSD Road Bike Suggestions

I've been a bike commuter for years riding an EZRacer recumbent on a mostly flat route 20+ miles/day. I'm interested in getting a road bike to take up the nearby hills on weekends. I'm not interested in racing, just a fun, lightweight, good climbing bike. Test road Specialized's Ruby Elite and Expert bikes this weekend, liked the first, loved the more expensive second one. I've always had Shimano and found the SRAM hard to get used to. I am 5'6" with long legs, short torso, long arms and fit a 54cm. Looking for recommendations!

I absolutely love my WSD Trek 4.7 Madone. I was deciding between several different WSD bikes and this one was in my price range and just felt so fantastic on the test rides, I just had to get it. I've had it for several months now and still love it as much as the first day I purchased it. (well actually more now because I have added some more little options to it too!) Mine does have SRAM Rival, but I think the next year model went back to Shimano 105. I would at least take it out for a ride. The Specialized Ruby didn't seem to be right for me, I also was looking at an Orbea- but the one in my price range wasn't quite right either. (I would have loved to have the Orbea Diva though!!) In the end, I went with the bike that felt the best- for me it was the 4.7 Madone WSD. (I am 5'5''- long legs, short torso too, long arms too- I ride a 52cm.)

definitely check out the Madone. I tried the Ruby Elite and the Madone and liked both. The madone felt a tad bit more zippy to me. Speed might matter to you the more you go :D Even if it is to click in more miles in the time that you have to ride.

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference between the Ruby and Madone. I like that the new Ruby Elite Apex had the SRAM compact with a nice wide range of gearing. Wider than typical compacts.

I'm very happy with my Giant Avail. It's the woman's version of the Defy. Great entry-level bike and very affordable. I upgraded my components from Shimano Tiagra to 105 and added Mavic Aksium wheels and a Specialized Jett saddle a couple of months ago...now it's even better. I'm 5'4" and short-waisted...the small Avail fits me perfectly.

You might want to take a look at the Cannondale Synapse line. I have a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fem 3 and have been quite happy with it...it's mostly Ultegra (except for the crank, which is FSA but I might be swapping it for a Shimano Ultegra in the future).

I'm slightly taller but the same build as you........ I had a Ruby and LOVED it, despite it being too small for me. Eventually I needed to get a 54cm frame but couldn't find a Ruby in NZ so brought a Scott CR1 Contessa which I love and much better fit. Worth trying out a Scott :)

+1 for the Madone 4.7 WSD. I've only had mine for a week but I love love love it.

Mine is a 2010 so it has SRAM components, but the 2011 models have Shimano 105. The 4.5 is similar and has a triple chain ring option, if you prefer that.

Don't forget Fuji... My Fuji Supreme RC is a great stable, comfortable choice for long rides, but she moves when I stomp on the pedals.

Fuji didn't do much with women's bikes for 2010, but I just saw a 2011 catalog, and there are some niiiiice WSD options in there!

Thank you for all your great suggestions! Looks like I have some test riding to do. I just got back from riding the Trek Madone 4.5, but unfortunately they didn't have my size in stock. They said they've been having a hard time getting them in for some reason. But it did seem "zippier" than the Specialized.

I love my Cannondale Six feminine. When I was shopping last year, it seems like the Cannondales offered better components for the price than Trek or Specialized. I tried a lot of bikes but ultimately this one was the one that felt best. I was able to get a end of season deal on it, too.

Good luck!