My husband and I started riding hybrids early last year and now we are looking for road bikes so we can join clubs and ride further, easier. We're both over 50 and are looking for bikes with a comfortable geometry. I also have a wrist issue that needs special attention. I'm just under 5'9" tall with a 33.25 inseam (floor to pelvic bone in bare feet).

I have narrowed my choices to Specialized Ruby/Roubaix or Cannondale Synapse.

In the Specialized line I have ridden a 56 and 58 Roubaix. I felt pretty comfortable on both but the stem needed to be changed to bring the bars closer to me for comfort. The 56 felt best, but still needed a shorter stem.

A fitter at an LBS believes a 54 Roubaix would fit me best, and even better yet a Ruby 56 (which supposedly is a WSD version of Roubaix 54) based on the measurement he took of my shoulder width. He said he will put me on the bike on a trainer and do a comprehensive fitting and take measurements to make whatever adjustments are necessary to achieve the best fit and comfort. Two other bike shops also do fittings on a trainer, so I have 3 choices in that regard.

I'm wondering if there are other tall women my height who have a bike that they feel very comfortable on and that is smaller than some might expect, even WSD. I am trying to be open minded and trust the LBS since they are more experienced than I am. Did anyone else set out bike shopping figuring they'd end up with a bigger bike than the one that actually fits you best?

I am very confused about this and afraid of making the wrong choice. The hybrid I bought last year is too big, so I am trying to stay with a shop that will do a comprehensive fitting at the time of purchase.