I was a bike store owner for over 12 years. (Seven of those as a Trek dealership.) I am short, and know a few things about sizing. The sizing on a Verve is A different animal than a road bike. You should be looking at a bike with a 17 - 18" seat tube. (no more) The top tube length is longer than a road bike. The Verve is designed to have quite a bit of seat post out of the frame. There is something called "big bike syndrome" where newbies buy a bike that is too big, I know., I was always trying to get people to get on the right page, in regards to sizing. Go to a bike shop, try 'em out. Most bike shops let you "test ride".