Buying my first road bike! Opinions needed please!

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE!

I would recommend at least trying other bikes at other shops. If you end up buying from the far-away shops, after your free tune-up, you can just bring the bike back to your local shop for service. It's okay. They understand.
I'd call around to see if they have built-up bikes on the small end for you to try first, because it may be hard for you to find something on the floor, given your height.
If you don't find anything that makes your heart sing, go for the Secteur. Or keep looking.

[Catrin]

I would check closely to make certain that 49cm frame fits you properly, I am close to 4 inches taller than you but, really a 48cm frame is generally as large as I can go. That being said, it is as much about proportions as it is height. Indeed it is more important. You don't want to rush and wind up with a bike that is too large for you, that never pays off in the long-term.

Owlie has good advice about going ahead and checking out the other places as well. If you find something in a different size in another store that sings to you perhaps your preferred LBS can get it for you.

[azfiddle]

Yes, I agree with the posts above. Also, if the dealer close to you carries Specialized, there are other models that might fit better that could be ordered. You will be much happier and more comfortable in the long run if you purchase a bike that fits you.

I am 5'1" and ride a 44 cm Specialized Ruby, which is WSD model (I think the Secteur is non-gender specific). There is a more affordable aluminum road bike with similar geometry as well, the Dolce.


Good luck and keep us posted