Another beginner with a bunch of questions

[tctrek]

I have (2) TREK WSDs and there's no other bike I've ever tried that fit me as well as they do. I have short arms, short legs, short torso... I'm overall pretty stubby . I have very small hands and what I love the most about my WSD is the wonderful spacing when I am on the hoods and need to get to my brakes and shifters. I also love the slightly narrower top bar -- it allows me to keep my arms loose and tucked in.

[NbyNW]

It is also probably worth your while to run some searches here on TE regarding bikes for petite riders. You will no doubt come across a few discussions re: 700 v. 650.

I'm 5'1" with a 27" inseam. My road bike has 650c wheels. I also ride a folding bike with 20" wheels, which I find extremely comfortable, and I love that it has a low stepover. I have a bad hip, so the low stepover makes it easier to get on and off, while I am not so graceful getting on and off my other bike.

[MamboGirl]

I have a Trek WSD 1600. With 650c tires.
The smaller tires are really the key for me. I am only 4' 10" 1/2.
And the bike is perfect for me!

the bike is a 2007 model and I bought it new just about a month ago. I know that the Trek WSD's are above your budget. But think about spending more than you originally wanted to. Because if you spend $300 or $400 on something that isn't great, it is better to spend $800 or $900 on something you will love and want to ride every day. I originally was going to get the Trek 1.2 WSD model, but the bike shop happened to have one of the WSD 1600 there and I went ahead and shelled out the additional bucks for it.
But the Trek 1.2 is around $900 I think, and seems to be a good bike.