Quote Originally Posted by lizbids View Post
I don't know if it's b/c you're a woman (I hate to play the gender card, but man, it's used often!), but I find that retailers and sellers in general often give women less respect. And I can't tell how many ladies of color are out there on this forum, but people of color get it all the time too, man or woman.

You know what though? I used to be the type to scream and yell, but now I just quietly demand and hold my ground. Once they realize you're not going away, that you WILL be that thorn in their side before they change their tune, they usually acquiesce. STAND YOUR GROUND. To me, success is reserved for those who are persistent.
Lizbids, KimmieT mentioned this also. THe way he shut me down, I am sure you're right. But he never tried to change my mind, I think he FORGOT what i wanted (and didn't write it down??!?)and then it was too late (bike already painted) so he just kept bs' ing me.
I couldn't figure out why (in his last emails to me) that he kept saying i was going to have to be CREATIVE to put fenders on it.. that's a damn far stretch from what he said in his first email;

I also have a 48cm Mondonico Women's Countach ($1099). It has a 50.5cm top tube which sounds exactly like what you are looking for. A Countach is the same thing as a Futura, except it is tig welded and not lugged. It is a very neat women's setup.

You can equip these frame with forks that will accommodate fenders no problem. The rear triangle of the frame can have braze-ons installed so you can attach racks or fenders as well...