Since men have longer upper bodies and shorter lower bodies, I think a guy that is 5'4" will need a smaller frame size than a women of equiv height to clear the top tube. He did say a 49cm was too small, while most women that are 5'4" can clear the top tube with a 49cm seat tube, but find the top tube too long. So, I think he needs to find out who makes a 44 cm cyclocross frame. The bianchi volpe is the only one I am aware of, but there may be more. Another thing to look for are sloping top tubes that may have more clearance even in a larger size. Also, be sure to check geometry charts to see if the stand over height is caluclated as center to top vs. center to center. For example, this 49cm Fuji Comp is 49cm center to top, which will have more clearnance than a 49 cm that is center to center: http://www.fujibikes.com/2006/bikes.asp?id=137#. Welcome to our world!