need opinions about "stand over height"

[mayqueen]

cool, i will take a peek! thanks.

[carinapir]

I have a Giant FCR 3w (size large) and the top tube just brushes up against me. It is not a problem for me and I only notice it when I have just mounted the bike.

The Dash is interesting because they appear to be just slightly tweaking the FCR series to make it a bit more of a road bike. The geometry is basically identical to the FCR series. The TT is longer by 1 cm and the wheel base is longer by 2 cm for the Large size that I have. And the components are more "road" i.e. Sora instead of Altus and skinner tires. I guess this will replace the FCR series and they won’t have a true hybrid on offer any more.

[featuretile]

I have a Specialized Vita flat bar road bike. That is the women's version. (I'm short.) The men's version is called Sirrus. You should probably try both if they are available in your area. Price is between $500 - $880 depending on features. I am very happy with mine. The tube is slanted so there is no problem with standover height on both the men's and the women's. It is very much faster than my previous comfort/hybrid bike. I added some Specialized ergonomic bar ends to give me another hand position.

[Yelsel]

The 2009 Specialized Vita has a carbon seatstay and carbon fork at the $880 pricepoint - you are getting a lot more for your money. Also, the components are a bit better -- both the hubs and bottom bracket are sealed, which makes maintenance easier and cheaper. It comes with 28 mm tires, but the rims should take 25 mm tires, which are sportier -- you should be able to swap tires as part of your purchase.

Another advantage of looking at flat bar bikes in the 2009 range is that you might be able to get a tiny discount. At your price range, even spending (or getting a discount) of $100 to $150 is going to buy a lot more bike.

Accessories can eat up tons of budget -- plan to go cheap on these, and eke out as much as you can to put your money into a better bike. $100-200 will go a loooong way to getting you a better bike -- some / more carbon, better components. For example, you can get $15-20 helmets with the same crash rating as the $200 helmets -- they just won't be as aerodynamic or cool your head as much. A $5 seatbag from Target - or rig up something free from home - won't look as cool as a $25 seat bag, but will hold your stuff. One of the best minitools I've seen is also the lightest and cheapest: Park MT-1 minitool, $10 or a bit less retail.

Also, if you find women's bikes too short in general, and the men's a bit long; you can also try Bianchi. The men's bikes have a slightly shorter top tube than general. This is the perfect setup for me; it is near the top range of "ideal" for me, but I like a bit longer reach. Don't think about "women's" vs. "men's" -- think about longer vs. shorter reach.

Calmaleonte II, $880. It doesn't have the carbon seatstay or fork unless you go up to the next model; it does have disc brakes, which work better in rain, dirt, and snow, if those are important to you! The tires are 32 mm, so you might only be able to get down to 28 mm, though. I think you would really be happier with the next model up, the Camaleonte IV, which has better components and is a more roadie setup, and has carbon seatstays and fork - but that is $1050. You do get a lot more for $170, though.

(You should also think about what gearing you want -- the Giant bike has the highest gearing, the Specialized lower gearing, and the Bianchi has lower and wider gearing.)

Let us know what you end up doing - I love hearing happy endings to stories.