FWIW - I had Jamis Ventura Elite 48cm, then after two years, a second fitter told me the bike is just a tad bit too long (standover was fine, but, the reach was too long/big), so I got Jamis Ventura Race 44cm frame (just the frame, since it's same carbon/alu mix like the Elite) with 700c wheels. I'm 5'. I'm MUCH more comfortable with a shorter reach bike. Next time if I ever get a new road bike, I'll be looking for one that has a short reach.

I have NO idea what it feels like riding other bikes on the road, and I *am* curious what a steel bike feelsl like. It SUCKS not to be able to ride a bike in MY size.

I got the Jamis purely because I was getting a FULL Ultegra bike with Alu/Carbon mix for much lower price. If you're just starting out, I would do the same thing. Buy a Jamis, and it'll last you a long time.

If I'm getting a tri-bike, I definitely would be test riding. So, if you could, I would test ride bikes.

Good luck!! I do get comments on my bike because there's only about two people I know that has a Jamis bike in two of my bike clubs. Makes me feel special. :-)