Well, I 'm not too familiar with very many makes and models of bikes- but I can tell you this: The effective top tube length on my 54cm Mercier is the exact same length as the top tube on my 55cm Klein- so I'd say the Mercier is sized generously. And while I've never done a formal comparison of my two bikes geometry and measurements, I can tell you that even though the Mercier is a 54, it actually feels bigger than the 55 Klein. The Mercier is at the limit of how big I'd want to go- any bigger, and i would find it uncomfortable- which is why I've said that I could be happy on a 53cm, and probably even a 52. Bikesdirect says that the 54 is good for anyone up to 6', so I'd say you should find it a good fit- being like myself, right in the midle of the suggested size rider for that size. I think it's only people who are right on the cusp between two sizes, who may have to be a little careful- like say if you were 6'- then it might be somewhat opf a choice between the 54 and 58- but even then, if it were me, I'd go with the smaller size. Now if they made them in 56cm...then ya might have fun trying decide between the 54 and 56.....but even then, ultimately either one would work for you. You'll see when you do that Copetitive Cyclist fitting......they don't just tell you one exact size...they give you a range- because ultimately, 1 or 2 centimeters does not make that big of a difference- unless you are right on the very limits of something being too big or too small.