Oops. Edited because I repeated an earlier post of mine. Anyway, I've ridden both the 15" and the 17" many miles on the Katy Trail and they were both equally comfortable. I don't think it's as critical for a hybrid to fit perfectly. I spent months tweaking my Surly Cross Check to get it comfortable with the drop bars, but the hybrids...no time at all. Have you tried different stems? You can certainly get the bars higher with a stem with a larger angle on it.
I also think that Trek was very generous with the $300. The bike you have retailed for $789, and if you could sell it for half of what you paid, (that's generally what I've gotten on them), you are out only about $95. Frankly, I'm impressed that Trek offered it since the bike is 2 years old, and the fit was the responsibility of the shop and it was also your responsibility to let them know sooner that it wasn't comfortable.
I think you should post pictures, as suggested, because we have a lot of women who have been trained as fitters and I believe they can help you. I really think you can make that 15" work.
Last edited by uforgot; 08-07-2010 at 06:10 AM.
Claudia
2009 Trek 7.6fx
2013 Jamis Satellite
2014 Terry Burlington