I bought a 53cm in the end and it feels just about right. Wow. There sure was a bunch of crappy ones for sale on CL. They all were listed for roughly the same price but the quality varied greatly.

Anyhow, I settled on this Nishiki Sport that was all original and seemed hardly used. I know some of you on this forum lust after pink mixties...I am not completely sure about this color, but I think it will grow on me!

Here she is in her original state. I will post after pics when I get her all customized.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28940331@N04/4060046452/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28940331@N04/4059304573/