Yeah, the Specialized Vado SL looks great except for the standover of 770 mm in the Small size. If they made an XS or a lowstep, it would certainly be a contender.
I am looking for flat bars as I need the bars higher than the saddle for my back issues. I fractured my pelvis in a cycling accident in '05 and still have some issues on the right side, and lower back pain in general when I am bent over in a more traditional roadie position for more than an hour or so, probably due to arthritis and/or muscle strain from climbing in a more forward position.
Currently I am interested in the Specialized Como and Trek Allant+ 7S stagger. I am sure there are many more choices, but I do like the fact that Specialized and Trek have a large network of dealers for support, when needed. My roadie is a Trek, and both my husband and I have had great luck with that brand. Seems like I looked at Tern and ruled them out for one reason or another (small wheels, maybe?) Unless absolutely necessary, I really don't want a 20" wheeled bike. I do have one now, my Bike Friday folder, but it is a bit twitchy, and since I'll be living on a rural gravel road with a long gravel driveway, I want a bit more stability. The vast majority of my riding will be on pavement, but I'll face the gravel at the beginning and end of my rides. I'll revisit Tern since it has been awhile since I checked out their offerings.
