Irulan, I agree totally about the fit of the bike. That is THE most important thing. The bikes I have now, road and mtb, actually fit me. I am so comfortable on both of them. I feel very lucky, having known what's it's like to ride bikes that DON'T fit most of my life. Anyway, I would want to find a new bike for those off-road jaunts that would fit the same. I would probably need another wsd bike which at least limits what's available and makes choosing easier, in a way, because there's less to choose from. I'd like to have lock-out on the shocks, at least the rear one, if I went FS. I know, pricey choice but hopefully worth it.

Here's another question - what about disc brakes? Does anyone have them? Do you feel you need them?

You're right, pedalfaster........ heck of a long haul for me to bop into Indiana to test ride a bike.......... won't be doing that! I have no large LBS where I live. The closest possibility of one big enough to do demo days would be a couple hours drive, I think. It's something I can check into, at least. Otherwise, I am going to be on the lookout and listen-out for women in the area that might have a bike that'd fit me that I could try.

Rode my trusty 6500 tonight. Had an awesome ride on it. Some rides it clicks, some rides it doesn't. Today was a "click" day. Gotta love it! I rode stuff I fell over just two days ago. Weird!