I am somewhat of a shorty myself (5'1) so I understand what it's like to have bike fit issues. I spent over a year and a half trying to figure out the right road bike for me, after being in pain for 7 years on too big of a road bike. I switched from a 49 cm Bianchi Veloce with 700 cc wheels to a 47cm Guru Racelite road bike with 650 cc wheels and I love it. I am still tweaking some things with the cockpit, but it is so much more comfortable for me having the shorter top tube (I'm long legs with short torso). I don't have any more wrist or crotch pain...yay!

One thing I can say about the 650 cc wheels is that I honestly don't notice many differences. I find my bike just wants to go LOL...it's super light so that's why I am sure. I don't have any toe overlap (even if I try to turn the wheel at a 90 degree angle which is not something I think you do on a road bike very often? I tend to counter-steer in corners more). Have someone help you check it on a windtrainer...or like I did...my hubby rode it and checked it for me (carefully LOL).

I tend to be more of a spinner in my pedalling style anyway so I don't really notice that phenomenon some people mentioned to me where you have to pedal more/faster to go the same as someone with 700 cc wheels. I guess if I become a super beast, I can always get a bigger big ring (that will take some time though LOL). I also don't notice much twitchiness...my other bike was like riding a telephone pole and didn't respond at all, so I am sure I'd notice if 650 cc wheels made my bike handle twitchy LOL.

Just wanted to give you some ideas about the 650 cc wheels. The only downfall I see is that if I flat in a group, it's a bit more of a logistical problem and when I race, I will probably need to get another set of wheels for the pit.

If you can't find any good bike fitters in IL, I know 2 really awesome ones up here in Michigan which might be a drive, but it could be worth it for you to get professionally fit by someone that does bike fits besides just selling the bikes. One of the people I know does bike fit 6 days per week...it's his life. Let me know if you want any names.

Let us know what you go with!

Happy Ridin',

Lisa