Originally Posted by Hanzo
A lot of the women's specific bikes are factoring in shorter legs so you might just try the "mens" versions of the giant and trek as well.
True.
Don't get hung up on that WSD marketing, find a couple of good shops so you get more than 3 brands to choose from and try quite a few bikes, men's, women's everything. As someone else pointed out, there is so much value out there at $1500, you can't/shouldn't come home with something you absolutely love with a terrific shop to back up your purchase. Things like handlebar & stem dimensions, feel of shifter hoods is just as important.