Quote Originally Posted by Owlie View Post
I'll try to address both your questions. I'm tired, so I might miss something...

1) Crankset. That's dependent on your legs and the terrain you ride in. My bike is 24-speed (8-spd cassette, triple crankset) and in theory it has climbing gears, but I suck at climbing! There's a trend toward compact doubles for several reasons: 1)it's supposed to be easier to spin 2) you can accomplish the same spread of gears/gear ratios with less weight, and 3) shifting on a compact double is cleaner. And it's cheaper to manufacture and so the manufacturers have to pay less. Usually what they do is put some really huge cogs in the back so you get those climbing gears, and combined with a 10-speed cassette, they figure you're not going to lose much. They mostly sacrifice the high gears, but only a little. What can be a problem is that while there's a nice spread of gears, the jumps between gears are bigger. Your legs may not like that.
So no, triples on a road bike aren't a bad idea, but the industry--for whatever reason--is moving away from them.

2) Bikes, WSD.
All things being equal, if you can swing the extra $500, go for the Madone. Mmm, carbon.
Short legs, long torso would generally mean that you can ride the unisex frame. Many shops steer women toward WSD bikes because that's what they're conditioned to do. 5'3" on a 50cm bike sounds a little big, perhaps, but I don't know your inseam. Your height might be a bit of a challenge when it comes to finding a unisex frame in the right size (48cm?). Go with what feels better. I'm the "ideal" candidate for WSD (long legs, short torso), but unisex aggressive frames with a 52-53cm top tube might be the best way for me to go because I have long arms. Ride everything, if you can. If there are reach issues with the brakes, it is possible to shim things.
Lately, I seem to be repeatedly agreeing with wise Owlie.

I tried both aluminum and carbon frames. The carbon frame was a lighter and smoother ride compared to the aluminum. So, I would also prefer the Madone.

As a short 5ft 1in lady with short legs and long torso, I fit better on a 48cm Amira than the expected 44cm Amira. But, I couldn't try out any small enough men's bikes because the LBS don't seem to stock them. Also, different manufacturer's sizings are different. So, for example, a 48cm Specialized Amira has very different proportions than a 47cm Trek Madone.

Ride, ride, and test some more. We always love photos of your bikes to celebrate with you when you finally decide.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle