Quote Originally Posted by out_spokin' View Post
Another tall woman (5'10" and 33" inseam for clothing, let alone my real inseam) with almost no torso (ha!). I also ride a custom steel road bike for going fast, so +1 on the saving your pennies...depending on your actual measurements and the geometry of different models you might be able to fit on a 56cm roadie, which is the largest frame for most WSD. Be careful about the handlebar height though -- getting your seatpost high enough is cake, but I highly recommend against having too much drop from your seat height to your handlebars. Racers can get away with it, but for newer/older/less limber/just all around cyclists it can be very uncomfortable and lead to riding less.

Don't forget Terry Bicycles - most of their road models over the year have had a 23" (58.4cm) option with shorter top tubes. Their new stuff is way out of your price range, but with patience used ones can be found. I found a new old stock frame/fork last year that I've almost built up with parts from a well-priced craigslist find.

This thread just rocked my world though -- didn't know that some of the Treks come in a 58!! Geometry probably still won't work for me, but I am SURE going to find one to test ride!
Hey Out-Spokin' (LOVE that name!! ha ha!)

Thanks for the tips! Yes, I am deathly afraid of leaning down too far on the bike. Not only is it going to be a huge change for me from the MTB, but I also have a herniated disk in my back that I have to watch out for. So, any undue stress back there is not good for me.

And Ohhh, yes I LOVE Terry Bikes! I really really wish they had an entry-level road bike. I know I'd feel like a freakin' princess on one...!

May I ask, do you know what your top tube measurement is? I know mine might be different, but it would give me a point of reference...