I must be built funny.

[emily_in_nc]

You don't say whether you're a long-legged, short-torso'd type or the opposite. If the former, try WSD frames; the latter, mens/unisex frames. Some people do have to go custom, but the majority of folks of your height should be able to fit a stock frame, with possible changes in stem, seatpost, handlebars to dial in the fit. I'd bet that you can fit a stock frame unless your proportions are extremely unusual.

[Biciclista]

what emily said

the fact is, most bikes are not made to fit most women well.

[ultraviolet]

Without information about what your proportions are, I don't think anyone can give you any advice or ideas.

For example: I seem to be a difficult fit because I have proportionally short legs and long torso, which most people would call lucky because that's what "unisex" frames are designed for, BUT...I have short arms, tiny hands and low-ish flexibility. In the end, what I've found is that I need a taller headtube than what's found on many road bikes, and I invariably end up having to put a short/shallow bar on most of my bikes along with short reach, or reach adjustable, brifters/levers. The stock road bike geometries that work best for me are LeMond (now defunct), Gary Fisher, Specialized Roubaix, and the Cervelo RS. I can make others work--my "race" bike is a BMC but I've left plenty of steerer on the fork and use a stem with a good bit of rise, and I have a couple of older steel bikes that I need to use taller stems on as well--but that's the short list of the bikes that are closest to "ideal" for me.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm wondering if since you're tall you didn't try WSD frames? Many folks think they are only for us shorties, but that's not true. They are made for folks with long legs and short torsos, no matter what their height -- or gender, actually; it's just that women are more likely to have this body proportion.

[indysteel]

Out of curiosity, what knee issue do you think you might have with the
Dolce? How would you otherwise describe your proportions?

[OakLeaf]

I'm also wondering what the issue with your knees might be.

It's true that only the smallest complete bikes come with cranks shorter than 170mm, but that's a crank swap, not a frame issue (and it's a swap I had to do on my 50cm C'dale).

If you're having trouble finding a frame with a short enough TT, but seat-wise you can fit on a larger frame, consider just buying a smaller frame and an uncut fork. Then you can set the handlebars and seat where you want them in relation to each other. Not the most inexpensive thing in the world but a whole lot cheaper than a custom frame!

If you're more specific about your proportions I bet there's someone here who can suggest a frame for you.

[Owlie]

Muirenn, I'm a hair shorter than you (5'6-3/4"), and I have the same problem you do. I need a pretty short top tube, and even some WSD bikes are too long.
My Giant is a 50cm/M, but they run big, by the looks of it--and the Avail's geometry isn't terribly different from the Defy.

My knees weren't terribly happy with the test rides, but that may well simply be because the seatpost was adjusted to "eh, close enough" and I have crappy knee ligaments. If it were properly adjusted (ie, when I'm actually serious about buying), it might well be a different story. It felt good otherwise (even better than the Treks), so I'm still keeping it on my "list"

I did in fact try out a Quest Femme (lovely bike), but I'd need a 54, and that's something that the shop doesn't stock and wouldn't until I'm serious about buying. I had the same problem with trying out a Cannondale.