Average sized rider can't find the right fit

[OakLeaf]

I think it depends on where you are, how much competition your LBS has, and just their general personality.

I had to pay to swap my cranks from the 170 mm that came on the frame that fit me, to the same crankset in 165 mm. They acted like they were doing me a favor by not charging me for the labor. My bike wasn't super expensive, but it wasn't the cheapest thing on the shop floor, either, a far cry from your Kona.

Also, the short-reach Shimano shifters are Ultegra-grade and Ultegra price. If they were swapping them out on a bike that came with 105 or less, honestly I'd expect to at least pay the difference.

[WindingRoad]

I don't find that shops are all 'that' willing to accommodate women. I have to really push to get things the way I want them and usually they act like I'm rude but I don't care when I'm spending that much money. Unfortunately there aren't that many options so like Oak said prolly not as much competition here so they get away with more crap like that.

[tulip]

I suggest you try out the men's (non-WSD) bike in a couple of sizes. If the overall bike feels good, but the levers or bars seem too big, the bike shop should work with you to change them out. At least try the non-WSD bikes before making a decision.

[VeloVT]

My problem is that my local shops don't have a lot on the floor. No 51 Roubaix to try. I have traveled around some, but I have troubled a lot of salespeople along the way in my search for a WSD bike. "Not her again!"

I'm not sure if I'm reading the tone right here -- but you shouldn't feel guilty about insisting on finding a bike that fits. You aren't "troubling" them -- they are there to help you, and you will be helping to keep them in business in return. When my boyfriend bought a bike a few years ago we must have tested a dozen bikes (between two shops), making many repeat visits over maybe two months. I've been quicker to decide in most cases, but with my commuting bike I probably tested 6-8 between the two shops. It's part of the business, I think.

I wonder, have you had a bike that fits in the past? Is part of the problem that you're not exactly sure what you should be feeling?