I have been avoiding "women-specific" bikes because I'd assumed my proportions were off -- I'm 5' 2.5" with a 28" inseam (barefoot). BUT I do like the smaller handlebars and levers on a women's bikes -- which most LBSs here charge extra to swap out. It's hard to know what to feel for when I test ride a bike, as this is my first road bike after being on a mountain bike for 8 years.

This has all made for a very confusing bike shopping experience. This weekend, I bought a used 19" Terry Symmetry. It felt great on the test ride, and I took it out for a 30 mile loop yesterday. My only discomfort was between my shoulder blades -- gone the moment I stopped riding. I think I need a slightly longer stem, and I think the new "road" position was a factor, too. Again, the ride was so new to me that it was hard to know what I should be feeling!

But: my question -- what is a "long torso," and is it true that if you have one, a WSB is really not the way to go?