Specialized or Scott?

New to this discussion forum stuff so forgive me if I catch on slow...I've finally gotten back into cycling, should have never been out of it. I've lost 40 pounds and feel great. I was given a new 2008 (or 2009, I have to check) Specialized Sequioa as a gift a couple of years ago. The thing is though is its never been a perfect fit. I feel stretched out even with the seat all the way forward and can barely reach the brakes with 2 fingers. I was in the bike shop the other day and noticed he now carries Scott bikes. Just the fact that there were new bikes in there got my brain churning, and now I want a new bike. I just want to be sure I don't trade down if I get rid of the Specialized. I was thinking about the Scott contessa speedster 25, hoping maybe a womens bike would be a better fit. I have done a little research on it but when it comes to specs and this and that I don't have the patience to sit and compare. Does anyone have any input on this? The Specialized bike is like brand new yet it just doesn't fit me right, I'd have to sell that to get a new bike. I've also looked at Fuji's womens bikes a little but seemed to be hooked on the Scott at the moment. I know I have to get out and ride them to be sure but as far as quality of bike I am lost. I'd appreciate any opinions or thoughts on this. Thanks.

Hi there - welcome!

if you want to invest less - you could consider changing the stem to be shorter and or higher. The stems I've purchased to improve fit have been around 65 dollars but I think they range from 40 to 100 or so.

I'm not really familiar with either of the bikes but thought I'd throw that out there.