Quote Originally Posted by Mindyhubby
I sense a determination from you to stear me away from either purchasing a very expensive bike prefering maybe to just change certain components on her current bike, or from deciding exclusively on a WSD bike.
Ha! I'll change components or build up another bike to fit a special niche because I'm somewhat of a princess when it comes to bikes.

Being just just under 5'4" myself and having small hands, I honed in on these comments. Brake lever reach is not solved just by a shorter top tube or stem. Using the shims on her current bike will help you solve this problem now while you are making a decision. Yes, I do think that a WSD bike is not always the answer for women our of our height though they can be a good thing. Just don't limit your choices.

As far as expensive, whatever you want to do. I love beautiful bikes and high end componentry. Apparently the new 2006 women's Ruby Pro has a short reach bar and Dura Ace brake combo (must be new as Dura Ace wasn't short reach last year), 700c wheels and the fork rake adjusted to prevent toe overlap. It's a purdy bike, but the inner chainring/cassette combo might not be low enough for her. Around here a 39x27 low gear won't get you far but don't know your terrain, what gears Mindy currently uses or if she's expanding her cycling horizons and will need more gear options.

One last factor is that the bike has to make her heart go pitter-patter!