$1700 budget, tall(er) gal...what to buy?

[Batbike]

I am a little over 5'7" and have never had a WSD bike, but that does not mean I would not choose a WSD bike if I found one that I liked and it fit. I have had a steel Bianchi -- Veloce frame -- that I built by hand-picking the parts to put on frame, thus not having to worry about it fitting from the shop. Of course the frame had to fit first. I have found, being 5'7", that a 52 cm - 53 cm toptube is a good "frame range", assuming standover works with my inseam (I have fairly long legs) and seat/head angles work with the toptube length. Knowing your "general fit range" will help you decide which frames to look at -- both WSD and unisex/men frames. I feel you find your frame size will be within a certain range, no matter if it is WSD or not, but the big question will be what components and how the bike fits overall. However, if you find a frame you like, than a good LBS will work with you on swapping out stems, handlebars, saddles, and the like to make the bike fit you. So, feel good about being tall ... it really helps in giving you more choices, as long as you are careful about picking your "frame range". With $1700 budget, there are a LOT of great bikes you can buy! Good luck!

[Batbike]

oh, one other thought on frame materials -- Steel is GREAT for long rides and today's steel bikes can be as light weight, or lighter, than other materials! However, do not limit your choice to JUST STEEL because titanium is super for long rides, along with higher end aluminum or alloy mixes, and even carbon ... steel is a great choice, just don't limit your options, especially since you are new to market, it would be best to try EVERYTHING!

[northstar]

Thanks, ladies!

I really don't have my heart set on material at this point...I will hopefully be able to get an idea of what feels best to me when I test ride. At this point, I've just called around to a few shops to see what they carry, etc. My main thing is that the componentry is quality and the fit is right. I want to get the most bike for my $$, you know?

The compact double is not right for me...good catch on that one. I need the triple. (sigh...) Give me a few years.

Should I be surprised that one of the shops didn't stock any of the Bianchi women's bikes this season? That kind of surprised me. It made me wonder how much effort they make to do business with women. (Of course, not that all women really need the WSD.)

I'm on Spring Break next week, so I am envisioning lots of time in local shops.

I appreciate the feedback and I will keep you posted!

[teigyr]

I'm 5'11" and have an Orbea Marmolada. My other (older) bike is a Bianchi Alloro that was always too big for me.

I share your love for the steel frame and was seriously looking at Colnagos for the longest time!!! The Orbea, to me, was the best bike for the money at the time.

Have fun -- I think you'll know when you find The One! It's so exciting!!!!

[silver]

I'm 5'8" and have 2 bikes:
aluminum Trek 1000 size 58cm
carbon Trek Madone 5.0 size 58 cm

neither is WSD. The only mod to get a good fit for me was to shorten the stem from 110 mm to 90 mm.

I have long legs and an average body. My inseam is 33/34 inches. I had a bike shop guy insist that I could only ride a WSD once. Very frustrating since I feel very comfy on my non-WSD bike.

but the geometry on every bike is different.

Oh, I ride longer rides too. I rode 80 miles today on the 1000. But I don't think that I really understand how steel would compare with aluminum and carbon. I've never ridden a steel one.

[whippetgirl]

I am a new rider, but I did spend a good deal of time trying out several bikes. This forum is great for info.
I am 5'7" with long legs (inseam 34") and ended up with a Bianchi Eros 56 cm (it has a triple and Campy). My budget was set lower than yours,and I did try both the bikes you mentioned and liked both of them very much. I just got a good deal on the Eros.
I will add two points to the other great advice already given. Ride the bikes for at least 5 miles and try a hill. My LBS recommended, when seeing me on the bike, that I go with a 56 even though it seemed by measuring me that I needed the lower size. They were right. The 56 definitely felt better when I took it out for a "test drive."
Good luck!

[Offthegrid]

Lots of great responses here. As you can see, there is no one single bike that is THE bike for taller women. Have fun and ride a bunch. Let us know what you end up picking and then post lots of pictures of your new beauty.