I am 5'9". I have a regular frame (as opposed to women's specific). The non-women specific aren't technically "men's frames", they're just frames that men or women can ride. My husband and LBS guy considered the Specialized Ruby for me when I got my first bike (I didn't know nuthin', so I let them pick!). But because of my height, they decided it wasn't necessary to get a WSD and they gave him a screamin deal on a Cannondale CAAD9 frame, to which DH put all the components to his previous bike on (and bought himself a new Cannondale System Six). So, while the Ruby might not have been the wrong "fit", it was economically better to go with the CAAD9, and I ended up with a better bike, because all of the components DH put on were better ... Dura Ace, etc.

I had it professionally fit by a really great fitter and the size seemed fine for me. However, I did finally figure out that I needed compact handlebars. I was never comfortable in my drops, reaching the brakes and shifters, and that was not a matter of the bike sizing, just the handlebars themselves. I told dh I needed WSD handlebars and, after research and talking to LBS, he got what are called "compact" handlebars for smaller hands ... not technically "women's specific". He ended up getting himself some as well after trying out my mine.

So, for me, I didn't need a women's specific bike, but I did need compact handlebars. I have since upgraded to a Super Six frame, same size (54) as the CAAD9.