HELP!! Confused choosing a bike:#*@??

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I've been in a rpm class and have done some cycling for recreation- 20-30mi.
i love cycling and want to start taking it more serious.
i want to buy a comfortable, easy to ride, but will do some group 50 mi. or so on the weekends, bike.
it is very confusing to make a decision!
do the bikes for women really make a difference???
what bike would you recommend??
i want to spend up to $700-$800
HELP!!!
bobbie
P.S. i am small- 5'4" if that makes a difference?

No location in you details, what country?? What type of dollars? It makes a difference.

I am going to suggest the Felt F90/F100 47cm or 50cm and Giant OCR3W in the XS or 2XS size.

Women specific bike frames should give you a shorter top tube and longer seat tube to compensate for the relative difference in the ratio of a woman's arm length to leg length. Sadly, this is not always what you get; so be very careful if you decide to get a woman specific bike. Also, the components are often dumbed down on women's bikes. I have had really good luck with Specialized and Trek. They both have bike frames with top tubes on the short side. Compact frame geometry is also touted as giving a good fit for women, but again it depends on the virtual top tube length. Since you'll need a small or x-small frame try and get the longest seat tube and shortest top tube you can find. Also, try to avoid opting for a short stem to get a good fit. The bike will handle much better if you can get a good fit with a 90mm stem. I'm 5'5" and I have the best fit ever (biking since 1987) on a Lemond 53cm bike with a 90mm stem. I have a 31.5 " inseam. I am pretty sure this size frame will be too big for you unless your arms are longer than mine, 21", arm extended to the side measuring from armpit to wrist bone. Do not forget to consider the weight of the bike. You will ride much faster and much easier with a light bike. Know how much it weighs before you buy it. Good luck. :D

I have a trek WSD, and it fits me fine. I'm 5'4. I see alot of women riding Specialized bikes, but I don't know much about them. You have to get a nice light bike, especially if you'll be taking longer rides. You'll feel the difference. You might have to spend more than you expected though, for a nice light bike.