Quote Originally Posted by Catriona View Post
Well... it sounds like you do need a women's specific design given your leg length.

Now you should tell us your price range, and we'll tell you what you should expect to get in that price range component wise. And one of us will suggest that you look on craigslist at used bikes once you get an idea of what fits you so you can maximize what you can afford...

And you should tell us what you want to do - commute, tour, race, or just ride.

If I were getting a road bike - I'd want at least an aluminum frame with a carbon fiber fork and seat stays... Aluminum is harsh on bumps, the carbon fiber fork & seatstays'll help with that. I'd want at least shimano 105 level components, but people do use tiagra & sora without any issues...
Thanks for the tips and info request Catriona! Let me see if I can answer some of your questions...

Price range - under $1000 USD
Purpose - Just ride, MAYBE commute as work will be less than 7 miles out.
Framework - I definitely follow what you're talking about expect the last sentence. My younger brother used to be into BMX biking when he was younger and I have had friends that race so I know what you mean with the carbon forks and whatnot. Seatstays are another new term to me though.

Any brands that are better than others for reliability and performance?