Elk,

I hear ya. I'm 5'-6 1/2", with about a 30" inseam, and WSD bikes (well, I've only tried Treks) do not fit me (okay, I don't fit them). My last 3 road bikes have been 50cm Treks, in order to get adequate standover clearance, with the stems swapped out for longer ones. And I can see the front hub in the wrong place, so I think the top tube is too short. But I am comfy. The WSD versions always make me feel extremely cramped. There may be a better-fitting bike out there for me, but my LBS sells Trek, and I'm kinda hooked on them. I did go to a Trek demo that they hosted a couple of weeks ago, and while talking to the WSD lady, she noticed me ogling the Madones. She wanted me to try a 54, and I said "I ride a 50! I'm sure I can't ride a 54!". She said "50?! That's way to small for you!" So she pulled out a 54 and had me stand over it - I was touching. Then she pulled out a 52, which seemed good, but I didn't actually ride it. They do have a slightly sloping top tube, so that would work to my benefit. However, since I can't possibly buy a new road bike yet (my 5200 would be soooo angry!), I had showed up in jeans to avoid riding anything I might fall in love with, so I resisted her pleas to put pedals on so I could ride it. In a couple/few years, when she comes back, and the time is right, I'll try a big variety.

Anyway, this summer I did buy a 520 for touring. They had a 21" in stock (about 53cm), which I did end up buying, even though I have pretty much zero clearance - on a touring bike, all my friends who have toured said it didn't matter, because you aren't exactly doing any quick maneuvers, hopping logs, etc while loaded! I was afraid it was just too big, but when I rode it, it felt great. The reach feels pretty good - I may even end up putting a shorter stem on. Overall, it is very comfy, and rides as smooth as butter. I vote for the shiny black bike!