My wife is 5'7" with slightly longer legs / shorter torso. I built her a 53cm LeMond as a surprise Christmas gift and *surprise!* it required an uncomfortable reach forward even with a relatively short stem. Then I rode it and damn man it's sweet so i'm keeping it for myself. :-)
So now i want to get her a non-surprise road bike, nothing lower than Tiagra components, proper frame geometry for her build, and around $1500. Is that doable? If not, how much will i have to spend? any specific models to look at? will almost certainly buy through LBS.
Yes, almost certainly. I agree with being loyal to the LBS so look at what brands they carry. Almost all the big ones will have entry level, good road bikes in that range.
Edit; I just hit Treks website. The Domane AL3 women's should work great and it's a grand. Shimano Sora drivetrain, simple, solid, reliable.
Will probably end up on a Specialized since that's what our LBS carries as the headline brand, and they're a good shop. Obviously haven't begun the selection process yet, but with the weather warming up and both of us "working from home", I figure now's the time.
For big S you'll probably be looking at the Dolce line, or the women's Diverge if you want more all-road type. Both have models well in your price range.
It’s worth paying for a bike fitting specialist to help. Does the LBS have one that they work with? It’s cheaper than making a mistake.
Ian F
MegaDork
3/31/20 6:53 p.m.
Woody said:
It’s worth paying for a bike fitting specialist to help. Does the LBS have one that they work with? It’s cheaper than making a mistake.
This times infinity.
Fit is everything on a road bike and VERY small adjustments can make a huge difference. It really doesn't matter how much the bike costs. And it's definitely a big deal if the rider has less than typical proportions.
Usually around $100 or so and worth every penny.
Its not brand new but I would considering parting with my Fuji Sportif Disc 54 cm. 
AngryCorvair said:
Will probably end up on a Specialized since that's what our LBS carries as the headline brand, and they're a good shop. Obviously haven't begun the selection process yet, but with the weather warming up and both of us "working from home", I figure now's the time.
You might look at Salsa. They're really nice; my Warbird is a fine machine, and the ability to run 43c tires makes the miles more comfortable...
Might be able to get a used or lower end Warbird in that price range.
You might consider going up to $2k. I would not be surprised if you walked into your LBS, pointed at a leftover (last years) lower-level, carbon frame, women's road bike that retailed in the $2300-$2500 range, said you'd give them $2k for it, including a full road fit with some adjustments (stem for sure), and they'd go for it.
This is a great price spot. We bought a Specialized Ruby Sport (carbon frame, disc brakes) for $1999 last year. The Dolce aluminum frame with good components will be in that spot. Get it fit well!
I would not fixate on "brand" so much as "fit". Different manufacturers dimension their frames differently so don't be afraid to shop all sorts of different models.
I gotta wonder. Are bike shops thirsty for sales in our current situation or do they have a huge surge in sales and service?
dxman92
HalfDork
4/16/20 12:42 p.m.
The few articles i've read are saying that most bike shops are doing more service than anything currently.
dxman92 said:
The few articles i've read are saying that most bike shops are doing more service than anything currently.
Well, that and smaller sales are the bread and butter, so that's good to hear.
in MI bike shops are non-essential so this is on hold for who knows how long.
