@JennMairead I am also a female with long legs, and all my frames are 'male'. The major thing I changed was a shorter stem (standard 200mm, mine 100mm) to compensate for shorter arms (so no lower back pain due to overstretching), and shorter handlebars to match my shoulder width (to net get pain in my shoulders/higher back). If you buy new from a shop you should be able to get this for free or only a little bit extra, as they just swap the handlebars and stem.
I find a good fit is more important then weight on your comfy/heavy/slower -> less comfy/light/fast scale. Also everyone is different so some frames just are better for you then others independent of prize.
Good luck with finding your bike and with future rides.
@Martine
@JennMairead I am also a female with long legs, and all my frames are 'male'. The major thing I changed was a shorter stem (standard 200mm, mine 100mm) to compensate for shorter arms (so no lower back pain due to overstretching), and shorter handlebars to match my shoulder width (to net get pain in my shoulders/higher back). If you buy new from a shop you should be able to get this for free or only a little bit extra, as they just swap the handlebars and stem.
I find a good fit is more important then weight on your comfy/heavy/slower -> less comfy/light/fast scale. Also everyone is different so some frames just are better for you then others independent of prize.
Good luck with finding your bike and with future rides.