time for a carbon upgrade - HELP

[Doc on a bike]

I have happily ridden my Specialized Sequoia (54 cm) for two great years, on flat territory here in Florida. No hills where I live. Finally time for an upgrade. Looking at carbon frames - after visiting several LBS, I have tried Specialized RUBY, Roubaix, Amira; Trek Madone (several models), Felt ZW6 (would prefer a 4). Going to try an Orbea Onix tomorrow. ANY ADVICE? I need help from anyone willing to offer help. I'm confused because I was originally "fitted" to a 54 cm, (I'm 5'4" tall), but recent fittings in the past few days place me on a women's specific 51 or less. HELP!!!!! I'm so confused!!!! My budget is up to $3500 with some flexibility for the PERFECT bike. I want distance with comfort. Not so interested in racing or tremendous speed.....

[Koronin]

My husband and I actually just bought a Felt F5. (Two bikes, one each). I'm getting one at 48cm and my husband is getting one at 51cm. He's 5'5" if that helps you any. I'm 5'0" with an inseam of 27inches. Don't know if that helps any or not.

[Becky]

Every brand sizes a little differently....don't go by the number. It's kinda like clothing....the number will get you close, but you may need to size up or down after trying it on. I don't place too much stock in the size, but focus more on the reach to the bars. For me and my short torso, that's the key dimension.

Have fun test riding!

P.S. At 5'4" with long arms and legs and a short torso, my bike size is anywhere between 46cm and 50cm, depending on the geometry.

[Seajay]

At 5' 4" I would think a 51 Specialized Ruby would be a good place to start fitting wise. I'd doubt you could get into ANY brand's 54 mens or womens fit.

[CAL]

I'm 5'3 and have a Trek 1.2WSD in a 50 cm and a Madone 5.2 WSD in a 50 cm. Test ride the same bike in different sizes, if available, and see what feels best. Have fun and enjoy.

[turbojackie]

I am 5'6" and was fitted for a 51cm mens. I have short legs and a very long torso. In the road bikes, the WSD seemed to crowd me. I was more comfortable on the men's, due to my torso. So, you really don't know until you are on the bike and being fitted

[grey]

I'm 5'6" and ride a 54cm men's Fuji Team. I have long arms and legs, but even so I have had to tweak it to fit smaller, as I fall right between a 54 and 52.

Don't know if that helps much, just seems 54 would be a bit big for you. As someone noted earlier, no two frames are the same size. When you find the right size and bike, you will know.