Quote Originally Posted by ACG View Post
I have a Giant OCR C3, she has been my faithful servant carrying me thru 3 Aids Rides, countless centuries and a long drawn out divorce. I have the itch to buy a nicer better bike. I upgraded the handlebars and the seat but that is it. Soooo do I replace her? I could spend about $4k. I'm not gonna race but do ride about 400 miles a month. Once the time changes here in California I will ride in the mornings too, so that mileage could likely double. I'm short 5'2". SO a Women's specific is preferred. Any bike suggestions?
You've got the budget that you could have a custom made. Given your height, an even better reason to go that route. Check out Kent Eriksen if you're in the market for a fine riding ti bike. For custom he's pretty fast too. kenteriksen.com

There are a host of custom steel builders as well but time to frame will generally be longer.

Have you ridden other frame materials? See what you might like? They each have ride characteristics. For me it is steel or ti over carbon or alu. Then the geometry has a huge impact as well.

Whatever route you go, enjoy the ride!