I too have been reading this thread, and lurking, and thinking, and mumbling to myself. I have to put in my 2 cents. It is going to fly in the face of what some of the other members have said, but here goes.

I bought a new fs bike last summer. I tried out about 5 different bikes, at very good bike shops both here in NJ and in CO. Some wsd, some not.

I ended up with a 15.5 Marin. I have very little stand over room, but of all of the bikes I tried, it was the one that was comfortable. My DH and the LBS guy said you could see it as soon as I got on the bike, in my body language. The bike fitters explained that reach and comfort are really more important than stand over room. I ahve to agree.

Maybe it is too big for me technically, but it was the only one that felt right. Have I had a problem? No.

I ride a couple of times a week, and have yet to smack my parts, and yes I have wiped out on numerous occasions.

So what do I know?, Not much, except what felt right for me.
Something to keep in mind.

Ruth