Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
I'm 5'7" with long legs and arms and a short torso, and prefer men's bikes because they tend to be 'stiffer' and have more power transfer (so less sluggish). In most brands, the max size women's bike is around a 54, which fits me. Specialized is unusual in that they have a 57 in womens, seems like Trek has larger women's bikes, too. At 5'10", my default choice would be a men's, with occasional women's if they happen to fit and had other qualities I liked.

Was the bike you tested a 54 or a 57?

The truth is, there is little difference in geometry between men's and womens when you factor in stack (overall height of the front end), reach (arm length/arm room) horizontal top tube (cockpit length, more or less) and head tube angle (which is a function of the others, or maybe vice versa). Maybe an equivalent mens version is perhaps a centimeter longer, but the stem length (thing that attaches the bars to the bike) can be changed to accommodate small differences in size. Depending on a particular bike's geometry, a mens bike may actually be a little smaller, rather than the womens. Geometries are not standard between brands, models within brands, or even in the same model, as they change from year to year.

A men's Secteur is definitely worth trying to give yourself more options.

Reach: this number basically denotes arm room. If you have long arms, too, (like me), then you might need a bike with a longer reach to allow them to fit. In fact, it sounded from your description that the reach was too short, but if it was a size 54, then the entire bike was too small, so not sure.

Verdict. At your height, there are a lot of options. Don't limit yourself to women's.

Also, look into a Giant Defy, as well. They are available at a range of prices, starting at less than 700 dollars.

Another consideration: it is likely you will eventually decide to upgrade to a more expensive bike, or maybe just a more aggressive bike (suitable for someone who has been riding for a few years). At that point, you may decide to sell. Men's bikes are easier to sell than women's and tend to be worth more money on the used market. Especially one for a 5'10" rider. If you get a good deal on whatever bike you buy, it is possible to get a good return. And speaking of, keep all original parts, that way, any upgrades you make you can keep and transfer to a new future bike, and put the original stock (cheap) parts on the old bike to sell. JMTC.
Thanks very much Muireen! That is great advice (seriously, you deserve a commission from my eventual bike purchase!). Both the Dolce and the Ruby I tested were 57s. Yeah, I thought the WSD would be the best fit for me, but you are right, I do have longer arms as well, so I definitely be sure to try some men's bikes, too. One other thing - I also felt more comfortable on the bikes with my hands on top or near the shifters, as opposed to on the drops - but I chalked that up to being used to a flat bar, but maybe that is a reach issue as well. I am definitely going to try the Men's Secteur for sure when I go back to try the Dolces this weekend, and look at some men's entry level Trek's as well.

I have also got the impression that Felt makes good bikes with great components for the $, so I'll try those as well (I'd been thinking the women's would be too small of me). I had ruled out Cannondale, because of the lack of women's selection around here, but I might have an easier time finding men's to test. I'm in WI, so Trek tends to rule at most of my LBSs - but I am also lucky to have a lot of choice of where to buy. As for the Defy, I want to try everything, so I will, but the looks just don't grab me. But then, I thought the Ruby was kind of ugly until I rode it.

And, you are right on about upgrading - part of me wants to find the cheapest road bike possible or even just get a new hybrid for the summer so I can get a better bike in the future. I was thinking I would try to get at least Sora components for this first purchase, but maybe I wouldn't notice much difference between Claris and Sora?

Thanks so much for your help!