Bob,
I would be careful about making generalizations about fit in women vs. men. When I was making my LS series frames, they were built every inch of top tube height and starting at 31 inches of stand over height, they were available with two lengths of top tubes. I built many of the shorter top tube models and also the bikes at 30 inches and below of stand over height for men as well as women.
The only thing that is important is that a rider gets a bike that fits their anatomy. I would suggest that you take a look at Personal Accufit. Starting at $29.95 for 2 riders, Personal Accufit computer models the riders anatomical measurements to arrive at the correct fit. It also contains bike setup calculations that will allow you to input the dimensions of a bike that you are considering and find out if it can be adjusted to fit.
You can get more information at my web site.
Happy hunting.
Bill Boston
http://www.billbostoncycles.com
Raining in Wilmington, DE
> My daughter has expressed some interest in something CLASSIC
> LIGHTWEIGHT ,,how do you size a bike for someone who is long of leg and
> arm but short in body.Looks to me like she could straddle a 53/52 but a
> 53CM top tube would be a stretch.
> Hints and tips appreciated,I am thinking a 51CM with more
> post showing and a longer stem or a 53 or so with shorter
>
> BOB FREITAS
>
> MILL VALLEY,CA