looking for road bike advice from short women

[Crystal]

i did that competitive cyclist fit calculator, and it came up with some funky measurements. i wouldn't completely trust it. nothing takes the place of going to a well respected shop with fit knowledge and getting their advice while test riding bikes, or having a professional fit session.

[Ginger]

I'm not quite 4'11". Although toe overlap doesn't bother everyone, I dislike it (previous bike), and was determined that any future bike wouldn't have that. I'm on a 2009 Trek 2.1 WSD, size 43. No overlap, great fit; I'm not the least bit stretched out. Of course the wheels are 650, which I'd expect (prefer) on any road bike that fits me and has no overlap. I love the fit and comfort of this bike.

[tzvia]

I'm 5' 1 3/4" with short legs (27 3/4" inseam) and shortish arms, and found the 44cm Specialized Ruby to be a good fit. I had the 48cm for about 6 months, and felt too stretched out. So now I finally feel like I have a bike that fits ME and not some generic male that bike companies used to think were the only bike riders. It has 700c wheels but I have had no toe overlap issues. And in reading the posts above on other brands like Giant, Trek and Jamis, it looks like manufactures are 'getting' that the WSD concept isn't about pink bikes with little flower motifs, but FIT for us smaller women. So you should be able to find a bike you can feel good on be confident with.

This is where having a good LBS is like gold. They should be able to put you on a bike in your size and let you test it out- only you can decide if the 700c wheels make the bike feel too big or unstable. I have heard good things about all the brands mentioned here and I am sure that at least one of them will fit you well. Good luck.

[eofelis]

I'm 5' 1 3/4" with short legs (27 3/4" inseam) and shortish arms, and found the 44cm Specialized Ruby to be a good fit.

I have a 44cm Ruby too. Mine is the 2007 Expert model with the Ultegra 10sp triple set up. It's a very nicely spec'd bike for smaller riders.

I also have a 42cm Surly Pacer. The standover on this bike is taller than the Ruby.