I can't really comment on the WSD since I've never ridden one. My Rivendell experience has been fantastic. I'm just under 5'5" and they speced that I should ride a 55. Rambouillets come in even sizes so I tried both a 54 and 56. I ended up going with the 54. They don't really have a store front. It's more like a warehouse. It's very laidback - but they really want you to be happy with your bike. They'll take as much time as you want in getting the fit just right. Their big emphasis is that a bike should be comfortable, beautiful and fun to ride. They're not the lightest bikes on the market. Although lighter than my tandem and mountain bike. But amazingly quick to bring up to speed. Zero to 18 in what feels like just a few pedal strokes. I felt like I was flying.

I'm going to start riding mine to work on Monday - it's a two mile commute so no big shakes. My hair is finally long enough for a pony tail so I no longer need to worry about helmet head. Although my students about freaked out the first time I pulled it back. I got one of Rivendell's huge saddlebags to carry my work stuff. I took in my biggest testbook before I bought it to make sure it would fit. Fluffy isn't quite so nimble with twenty pounds worth of books on him.

Veronica