Unlike Bruce Gordon I like 700C wheels for road/touring bikes and our tandem which meant the Surly LHT was not in consideration for my 5' 1"-ish wife. In our neck of the woods (Vancouver BC) only Cannondale, Devinci, Opus, and Trek could be found at local bike shops in my wife's size in stock; most other locally available options couldn't be ordered in as they'd sold out for the season in her size. We both spent some quality time on the Trek and Cannondale and much preferred the ride, and braking, of the Trek which is what she ended up getting. Since the purchase we've switched the stock handlebar for a version that fit her hands better, and upgraded the saddle.

I ride a 26 year old Miyata 1000 owned since then only by me. It is by far my favourite bike and always has been. Recently I've updated it with wider drop outs, a modern drive train, bar end shifters, better brake levers, and a more appropriate shaped and sized drop bar. I'll admit to making the changes partly due to bike envy. Her bike stops faster than mine but other than that, both are pretty comparable riding machines. Updating the bike breathed new life into it - I would do this again in a heartbeat.