Hi there, one very happy Orbea owner checking in! *waving*

The WSD Orbeas have a very "manly" WSD fit, so to speak. I felt cramped on every other WSD bike that I tried (such as the Bianchi Eros Donna, Specialized Dolce and Ruby, Trek Madone, etc). The men's bikes that I tried out (Lemond Buenos Aires, Specialized Allez, and some other stuff that I don't remember) all felt better than WSD, but most were a smidge too long. Then I got on the Orbea and fell in love. The bicycle fitter told me that the Orbeas are designed for a longer "more european" racing stance which is why they have the comparatively longer top tube.

BTW, I'm 5'3.5" with longish legs (30" inseam, and my thighs are noticeably longer than my calves). My arms are short-to-average length, and I actually shortened up the reach just a smidge by switching out the handlebar stem and now it's perfect. I also liked the handlebars that were already on the bike, they are 44cm and this matches my broad shoulders just perfectly. Most of the WSD bikes had such narrow handlebars. I have the Orbea Dama Race in size 53, with the reach slightly shortened and the saddle at a pretty medium height.

You'll have to try it out to know if it's your One True Bike. But I have to warn you, you may fall head over heels in love. One thing you may do is try it on and see how you like it, and then stalk around for deals. I got my Orbea a few months ago for $1700** because it was an '05 clearance model.

And I know what you mean about feeling "Not Worthy! Not Worthy!" of my bike. It bothers me sometimes, but I must say that having a bike that I truly love that fits me perfectly certainly makes my cycling experience more enjoyable. And, as a result, I want to spend as much quality time with the precciousssssss! as possible. Who cares if you haven't ridden a century YET?



** It still cost more than my car.