purdyd, that is not exactly true. For me it is not true, for others it might be. I can stand over a Lexa 47cm with flat feet, however no clearance. I cannot stand over a Canondale or Giant with my feet flat on the ground. I can only stand over them on my tip toes with no clearance. They are measured differently and they are a taller bike. Although as I stated I do have short legs with a longer torso which is apparently opposite to what many women have.

Brigitte, it can't hurt to ask. We moved last year from Charlotte and we both really liked our Trek LBS there. They are great to deal with. They also sell Cervelo, which I drool over every time we're there. They also keep Madone's in stock, although they didn't have a 47cm when we were there last or they would have let me test ride it.