WSD...Does it really make a difference?

[Polly]

if wsd bikes didn't exist, then my choice would be very limited. Though to be fair, it's not that big a choice as it is!

I'm 5ft 2" with 31" inside leg. I need a shorter top tube, and this is what wsd bikes cater for. My legs are 2" longer than those of my 6ft tall husband. If i sit on his 16" bike there is no way I can reach the handlebars. My 12 year old daughter is currently 4ft 10" with 30" inside leg - she's 'borrows' my juliana cl (borrows as in jooly is now refered to as 'her' bike!)

If you are over 5ft 5" then you have a big choice, most generic bikes will come in a frame size that can be tweaked with stem and seatpost layback to provide a good fit.

This is my experience anyway

[DrBee]

There are a number of other threads around here on WSD (I'm not sure how to link them to this), so try doing a search.

It really all comes down to what feels right once you are on the bike. I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam and WSD seemed to work for me. I would definitely try to ride as many bikes as you can. I just bought my first road bike (coming from riding a hybrid as you are) and I tried to test out a diversity of frames. For me the Pilot 2.1 WSD (which has more carbon and different geometry) had a more comfy ride than the 1500 WSD and had an overall different feel. I don't have any experience with the Fuji, so I can't comment there. However, there was a huge difference in the feel of the 1500 WSD and the Giant TCR2. Totally different feel - with similar frames and components. So, ride whatever you can, don't limit yourself to 2 models, and do (like Nanci said) at least try a carbon frame before buying the Fuji. Good luck and let us know how it goes!