Quote Originally Posted by CorsairMac
She might do better going to different bike shops and talking to them. I'm currently riding a vintage Trek 50 cm frame which fits my 5'2" height perfect but it isn't a WSD nor have I ever ridden one. Maybe offer to go with her if you have the time and she seems intimidated by the process.
This is the reason I'm collecting info. The endless variety of bikes available now can be overwhelming if you know nothing about them and, as many of you remarked, the LBS' lack of knowledge when it comes to fitting non-hard body older women. I'm trying to narrow down what people like and I really want input from this older group of women coming to riding from years away from fitness activity.

I will be going with her at some point but I want to get better 'larned myself on the complete bikes out there (don't think she'd like my approach of buying a frame, piece-mealing the parts, and then trashing my kitchen as a bike shop). I am very worried about the drop bar position for her but I don't think she'll be happy riding longer distances on anything less.

I'm going out with her for the first time later this week to talk about things like shifting, cadence and cornering. This will tell me a lot! I think she also tried to get in a 14-20 mile ride on Saturday so I'll get a ride report from that.

So, you girls who have been away for a long time, how did you handle the drop bar position? How far below the saddle are your bars and are you comfortable?