Quote Originally Posted by Anyabeth View Post
I read through this with interest because even though I am taller and was a much easier fit for my LBS I has some similar experiences. The shop guys seemed much less knowledgable about the WSD bikes (which I guess since they don't ride them . . .) and really wanted to put me on a men's bike. I didn't object but kept having problems because though I am 5'7" my hands are tiny and the reach for my hands was tough.

Gear and clothing selection for women was also less than half of that for men. There was only one pair of shorts in my size and they were $150. This is especially frustrating to me since I am a new rider and don't really know how things fit. Since they don't seem to have female employees there wasn't anyone I could really ask.

It is interesting because I feel like I had a pretty decent experience overall and they were certainly trying to be welcoming towards women riders. But a few small things would go a long way to make them more friendly.

This shop did admit that they sell a lot of special order bikes in the smaller sizes. But they still didn't want to stock much under a 48. I should give them credit because they do carry women's sizes in mountain bikes and small cyclecross.
I just started working for a large chain bike shop. A woman and her husband came in looking for entry-level road bikes. He was 6'2", she was 5'1". We had nothing in road bikes for her, because we don't seem to have a 44cm on the floor, and maybe one that would fit him. It sucks from both sides : You can't get what you need (I've been there too), and they can't help you get what you need , which is disappointing. Sadly, if you don't fit within a certain range of sizes and proportions, bike shopping sucks.