Wyofire

I called the shop I'm stopping by this weekend. The only Specialized they have on hand is the Allez in a 58cm, which is a bit tall judging by the stand over height. They do have a couple of Trek bikes in my size neighborhood. It looks like I'll be looking at a 1.2, a 2.1 Pilot, and a 2.3. He said they also had a 5.1 Madone, but I know that is way beyond my budget. For the most part I'm looking toward the 2.1 pilot and 2.3 if I can get enough out of my existing bike. I figure the higher grade components on those two would be worth the extra cost.

v1k1ng1001

brentley

Standover height is not that important.

Far more important is the top tube length and the saddle position (height, fore and aft).

I can stand over bikes that fit me, but with the compact geometry trend I can also stand over bikes that don't.

Find someone who can fit you, then test ride stuff, and if possible try to ride on the same (or very similar setups).

JoeMetal

I'm a bit biased, but if you can afford the 2.3, go for it. It's what I have. It's a real solid bike though. It has really great components that will last you quite a while. The wheels are also rock solid. I've only had my 2.3 for a little over a month, but I have yet to find a single negative thing about it.

Hill-Pumper

I have done test rides on both the 2.1 Pilot, and a 2.3 . The 2.1 Pilot has a more relaxed geometry and is more comfortable. The 2.3 has a lighter more racy feel to it. The 2.3 felt like all your effort was making it to the ground where the 2.1 seemed a little sluggish, but more stable. So it depends on what kind of ridding you plan on doing, but either bike is nice. It just matters which one suits your purpose best.

sstorkel

If they'll let you take it out, I would suggest you try the Madone! Not that you'll buy it, but it will give you a feel for what a top-of-the-line bike and components are like. I used to think there wasn't a whole lot of difference between Shimano 105 and Ultegra components... until I test-rode a high-end bike with Ultegra everything. Very nice!

mandopickr

I agree with Brentley. Top tube length is more important for me, since I have a rather short inseam and longer torso. I can just stand over my 58cm Tommasini, but the top tube fits me. Some 56cm and 57cm are too short (top tube) for me to ride comfortably.