1st road bike - compact v. traditional geometry, etc.

[Cataboo]

This is the very reason I spent so much time on TE last spring when I was trying to determine which touring bike to get and whether to go with a complete build or to start with the frame.

Only last spring? Are you sure it's not the last 2 years?

[Koronin]

Hi, don't know if my experience will help you or not. I'm 5'0" with short legs and an average torso/arms. I cannot ride Cannondale or Giant due to the size being just to big. (If I remember what the Felt bikes are, was the same thing, too big). The only two manufacturers that really seem to have bikes I can ride are Trek and Specialized. With Trek it's their 47cm and Specialized it's their 44cm bikes. I currently have a Trek 2000 47cm men's bike. I have been able to test a Trek Lexa and Specialized Dolce (no one has had a small enough Madone for me to try). I personally prefer the Trek, but that is really personal choice. Good luck in your search.