Transitioning from hybrid to road/cyclocross

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, there is not a whole lot out there. For instance, the new Checkpoint by Trek starts at size 49 frame, and has a standover of whopping 74 cm. Very few women under 5'3 would clear that. The clearance and the reach of that bike match size 53 WSD Domane!
Specialized Diverge comes in size 44 and has very tiny specs. I did not have a chance to try it, but size 48 was ok for me to ride and did not feel overly large. I would still get 44, if I were to buy it.

I think I am steering towards either buying the Dolce Evo I tried yesterday (if they give me the price it was offered at the bike show), or go with endurance road that has disks. There are a few last year's Synapses available with disks and Tiagra (and they are slightly less than Dolce Evo).

Or, otherwise, I will just wait for this year's Ruby to go on sale later this year. The future shock suspension is amazing, the bike is very beautiful, and fits very-very well. Specialized really went ahead of Trek this year, offering disks on all their bikes. MSRP on Ruby with 105 set is $430 less than comparable Domane. But, Domane has hydrolic breaks.

As far as comfort on packed dirt, I won't even have to go with 25 tires. Ruby Sport is 28, same is Cannondale Synapse. Trek Domane Disk is 32!

As far as fit goes, I found Trek Silque S5 47 and Ruby 48 fit very similarly. I wouldn't go down to 44 Ruby. I tried 48 yesterday and with saddle perfectly aligned with the bar both ruby and Dolce 48 are perfect for me. But, my Vita is also S, not XS. My legs and arms are a tad bit longer than average for 5'1.