I am 5'8" and ride a WSD. Suzie is 5'9" and with longer arms than I have, and she rides a WSD. Suzie and I ride Pilots that are the same frame size. I had my stem and handlebars swapped out to make the bike fit me well. Suzie is having problems with her saddle, that is all, and she doesn't appear to have any fit problems.

Pooks, when I selected my WSD last year, it was based more on having had bikes in my past that were men's bikes, and there was always something about those bikes that made my rides uncomfortable. I biked anyway because cycling brings me great joy, but I hated it that the bikes were designed for a male, and not for a female. The bike I have now is the best bike of my life and I will need a dramatic change in my physical condition to make me desire another bike.

When you go to look at bikes, keep an open mind. A men's bike might suit you, but then again, a WSD might suit you too. Since you are brand new to road bikes, you might consider renting one first to get used to a road bike, before you look to purchase.

Darcy