WSD bikes and Cranky LBS owner

[DebW]

I've wondered about this - I actually ride in the drops most of the time and prefer it to the more upright position. Knowing that most people seem to prefer the hands on the brake hoods, I have wondered if it means something needs adjusting, or if it's just a personal preference. Is there any downside to riding this way more?

Part of it is personal preference. But ideally you'd like at least 2 bar positions that you are moderately comfortable in just so you can change positions frequently and avoid hand/arm/shoulder fatigue. If you find yourself riding the drops 80-90% of the time, then you might be better off lowering the bars so that you can go to the drops when you want to be extra low, like during fast descents. This transfers more weight to the front wheel and improves stability. Your preferred riding position may change with time as you get stronger or more used to the bike or more or less flexible. The number to check is the vertical distance between saddle top and handlebar top. Bars about 2 inches below saddle is sort of standard for a rider with moderate flexibility. Racers will put the bars lower, tourers higher. But bars have different drop distances so it can be hard to compare.

[donnambr]

That LBS guy is a jerk who is completely incapable of imagining body types besides his own. I don't think I'll ever need a WSD bike, but I'm 5'8" with a long torso for a woman and really, really long arms. My aunt in contrast, is 5'2" with the same 30" inseam as I have! She's 65 and has never been comfortable on a bike and finds it amazing that anyone would like it. She has to reach too far. Gee, I wonder why. Well, I visit her next month and I'm going to see if she'll go take a test ride on a WSD bike. Even if she doesn't want one, at least she'll know why it's always hurt for her to ride.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wrote a long post about how changing my stem out today for a shorter stem really improved my riding position and comfort:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9998

[cherinyc]

I have a GIANT OCR1 WSD (Compact Frame) with the WSD shifters - and whole-heartedly believe it's the only thing that could work for me. (I am 5'6") I have longish legs (long femurs) but a shorter torso, and short arms. All of the Men's bikes (or even the non-compact framed bikes, gave me too much of a reach.
IMHO, the LBS should let you make the decision of what is best for you. Only you will know what feels right. Even the anatomical variancies of your..um...girly bits...can make a difference in your fit.
Just because a man and woman may be the same height and weight you can not assume that they will fit equally on the same equipment.