PRGirl, you've been given some very good advice here. I just wanted to chime in as a Ruby Comp owner. Like you, I wasn't able to ride the Ruby and the other bike I was considering at the same shop. In fact, they were 120 miles apart! However, after riding lots of bikes I just "knew" that the Ruby was the one, because she was comfortable the first time I sat on her. By the way, I'm also 5'4" and I ride a 51, but as everyone else has said, fit is a very individual thing.

I love the ride of the carbon frame, and since the bike is almost five pounds lighter than what I was riding before, the compact double is fine for me, even though we live in a hilly area. I don't worry about the durability of the carbon frame.

Get the bike that fits you the best and that you can afford, and then enjoy it. A reputable shop will measure you and do a fitting, especially if they know you are serious about buying a bike. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

KB