Originally Posted by n00bL35

What I said still makes the most sense. If you haven't sat on the bike, you shouldn't buy it. Your LBS probably has some used bikes, so I would check it out.

Standover height is not as important as you might think. Generally, you want only about an inch of clearance between your crotch and the top tube. The reach to the handlebars is one of the most important parts. A quick rule is that you should be able to look down at the handlebar and not be able to see the hub of the front wheel, IE there's a straight line between your eyes, the handlebar and the hub. If the hub is forward of the handlebar, you need a longer stem or top tube, if it's behind the handlebar, you need a shorter stem or top tube. Read this post by Sheldon Brown. It's long, but the man knows what he's talking about. http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

Originally Posted by Robert Foster

Standover is very important and if you ever come to a sudden stop you will learn quickly how important. But fit is more than standover. A bike that is a bit too small can have the seat post raised and the stem changed to make it more comfortable but one that is too large is a bit harder to adjust.

You might also consider a flatbar road bike that some would call a hybrid. A Scott P6 would work and you can get it new from Mcghies in Las Vegas for about $450 or less if they deal. Add bar ends and you would have a bike that can be sized to you. They have a Trek 7.1 FX for about $450 as well. My back up bike is a flat bar with 700c tires and it is almost as easy to stay with the club riders as my Jamis. Ok not as easy but at least I can still ride with the group.