Quote Originally Posted by etack View Post
I am long-waisted, with a long torso and average legs. I have tried twice to get on a men's bike and twice was re-directed to the WSD. It is the reach that feels too short or too long. The bars feel very close with the 51. They're better with the 54 but I worry about my neck, which is my problem spot.
If you have a long torso and average legs a WSD bike was not made for you. You can probably make one fit (especially if they came in a 52 or 53), but there is no reason you shouldn't be also riding "men's" bikes (especially since, at least in Specialized the corresponding men's line fills that needed 52 gap).

If the shop is refusing to let you test ride "men's" frames they don't truly understand fitting. I'd run for the hills. In fact *I* would never set foot back in the store actually.

Stand your ground. Insist on being able to test ride the "men's" 52. Or walk away and find another store with another brand whose sizing fits you better (either in "men's" or "WSD").

THIS is why I hate these terms!!! Screws people out of bikes that would fit better, especially if the shop is less than stellar.


Side note: Small stem length/angle changes and bar swaps can make a large difference in the feel of the bike. A GOOD bike shop will swap stems around for you during test rides especially if something is feeling just a hair long or short to you.

Sounds like you really might be in between sizes in the WSD specialized stuff, however.