Italian road/touring bike

coastal

I am interesting in knowing if there are any Italian bikes with 650c wheels. As I am only 5'3" with an inseam of 71cm I require a small frame bike(WSD).

Fitmiss

You don't necessarily need 650 wheels. There are other factors that will dictate the size of the bike you need like whether the bike has a compact or semi-compact frame, a sloping top tube, the length of the top tube, etc.

I am 5'2" (maybe a tad under) with a 71.5 cm inseam (that measurement was done quickly) and have a 50 cm Trek Pilot with full size wheels. The bike fits me perfectly and I love riding it! The only adjustment required was to change the stem.

I am not familiar with any Italian made bikes but thought I would just make the point that you didn't absolutely need a bike with 650 cm wheels.

Eden

Indeed I am even shorter - 5'0" with a 71" - inseam and have a 44cm Fuji Provence with full size wheels and no problems with my feet hitting the tires. The 44 has a very short top tube so I didn't require any adjustments for my short arms!
Bianchi does make small womens models, but as with many companies I don't know how many of their frames are still actually made in Italy instead of Taiwan if that is important to you. I think only the very high end bikes are still manufactured in Italy. Not that I think it really matters - get a bike that fits you and you will like to ride- where its made is least important. (the guy on the Pinarello couldn't shake me on my Taiwanese Fuji last night )

coastal

Hi,
Thanks,
I have since purchased my bike, and I am glad to say that I have the bike that I have wanted.
It is an italian bike, a Bianchi- Dama Bianca. It is a WSD with 700c wheels , size 46cm, and it is just great. I love it.