Hi Emily:

Thank you so much for your post. I don't think I'm comfortable buying a used bike privately until I've test-ridden, but I'm definitely interested in the 2002 Classic demos you linked me to. Also, I checked the 2003 models again and the Classics have just been reduced to $900, which is much closer to my budget. This is a price change from just yesterday (Isis, Symmetry & Madeleine are also reduced)!!

I'm really hoping the 16" Classic will fit since it has a 26.3" standover, which is just about at my unprofessionally measured inseam. Like you said, it's totally the kind of bike I want -- road w/ flat bars and feels a lot better-made than the Susan B.

I'm concerned, though, that even if the standover and top tube are okay, that a 16" frame is just too big for me. The Marin I got is a 13.5" and feels very comfortable in size, as were the 12" and 13" men's and women's bikes I've tried. The 17.5" Classic I sat on felt huge, as did a 15" Trek women's sized frame I tried. I wonder why Terry doesn't make frames smaller than 16" (other than Susan B)?

I'm hoping the 24" tire in front will help the bike feel smaller overall. Speaking of tires, is there such a huge difference in feel between 650 and 700's? My Marin has 700's and it feels fine to me, but I've been hearing from a lot of people who think they're short who say they have to have 650 tires (btw, 5'2" is v. tall in my family ) . Is there a difference in speed between 700, 650 and 24" tires? I'm going to ask the LBS that sold me the Marin if they can swap the 700's for 650's to make the bike shorter, but I doubt they can since I assume the frame was made for the 700's?

If the Terrys don't work out, I'm really torn as to what to do. I'd either (1) keep the Marin (which I do love) and get used to the standover (or lack thereof), (2) look for a mountain bike with a step-thru frame, or (3) reconsider a comfort bike. I just wish I could get on a bike and ride . . .

Well, thanks again for all your help. I'll let you know what happens.