Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
Top tube clearance is important on a MTB because you could be putting your feet down suddenly on very uneven surfaces. On the road, if there's a pothole on one side, you can pull up, or put your other foot down. And for obvious reasons it's more important for men than for women. Basically, for a woman, if there's any clearance at all between the top tube and your pubic bone, you're perfectly safe, and lots of riders don't even have that. If you don't have clearance, but the bike fits you otherwise, just learn to lean it a little bit more.
I disagree. Aeiea--when you straddle your bike with both feet on the ground, there is no clearance between you and the top tube? If there is no clearance, that bike shop sold you a bike that's too big. Yes, you can learn to adapt like Oakleaf and other suggest, but I'd be pretty peeved at the bike shop.

Getting yourself off the seat at lights does not take any more energy. You do need to get comfortable with handling the bike, though. It will take practice and some time. Gradually raise your seat while getting used to taking your bum off the saddle at stops and leaning the bike. You can leave one foot on the pedal, by the way.

Good for you for commuting by bike in LA! I don't think of LA as a bike-friendly place (but I've only been there once so what do I know).