I Need a Commuter!

[NbyNW]

I'm also short-waisted/short-torsoed, or whatever the correct term is. Bikes with short top tubes seem to be a WSD or custom feature, which hasn't always been available and is not affordable to everyone. I've always compensated for this by building up my core strength to take the strain off of my neck and shoulders.

I think it really comes down to trying out a lot of bikes and figuring out what feels comfortable to you.

If your LBS has to order your frame size -- are they trying to commit you to this bike before you've really tried it out? That seems strange. I'm sure they'd still be able to sell it even if you decided it wasn't right for you. Don't let them pressure you into a decision you're not fully comfortable with.