Here's an article on women's specific bikes- http://bikeandbody.blogspot.com/2009...ific-myth.html

Some women are better off on unisex bikes, just as some men would maybe be better off on a more women's specific bike; It all depends on the way you are built.

Don't be afraid to try unisex bikes as: they may fit you better, chances are you'll have to swap out the saddle regardless of the bike you purchase, and regardless of what bike you purchase, you may have to swap out the stem and/or handlebars as well.

On bikes built up with Shimano componentry, manufactures put little "shims" in the shifters to help those with shorter fingers / smaller hands. This is done on most women's specific bikes (w/ Shimano), but remember that you can get these cheaply to put on any bike outfitted with Shimano componentry.