It all has to do with what you are looking for also. I technically have the build for a WSD but I wanted a more aggressive,compact bike for racing. I decided to go with a man's bike(I used to have a WSD so I have tried it). I went down a frame size but my seat post is up at the limit line, it gives me an extremely aggressive position. I could of gotten a WSD but bike companies do not upgrade the quality of their women's frames when they do the men's. They just don't sell enough to make it worth it. So... if you really want an aggressive frame I would say go for a smaller version in a men's frame. But... if you want to be a little more relaxed then definitaly go for the WSD b/c it will do everything you want it to do.
I am 5' 5" with short legs and a long torso and long arms. When I went shopping for my current road bike, it did not take me, or the guys at the LBO's, long to figure out that WSD is not for me.
Thank you all again - seems like if I am closer to a man than a woman in proportions, I can get a smaller men's bike.
All your feedbacks really help.
The new Bicycling magazine March issue has a brief review on the Felt ZW3 bike. What I found interesting and why I am mentioning this is that they are adding a size Tall to their women's bike lineup. This will accomodate women up to 5' 9".
Hmph...that's not that tall! Who accommodates 6 foot women like me?Fortunately I seem to be able to get away with men's bikes, despite having fairly long legs and shortish arms...
One day, I'm going to buy a cottage in a small village and become its idiot!
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan
I can tell you that I love my WSD Lemond. However, I am also about 5'8 with the typical long leg and shorter torso and arm build. I absolutely LOVE my bike. I had a mens bike before this and had too many issues to count on one hand. I think mens bikes are perfectly doable but require a lot more tweeking to get comfy on. Before you buy anything get a fitting you will be glad you did in the long run.