So, I went with the 54.


Blue Line Bike Lab actually called (they are great if anyone's in Houston). They had gotten a 51cm S3, so they had both... a 51 (Renegade S3) and a 54 (Renegade S4) in stock. I could have been fine with either of them, but the 54 was considerably more comfortable/stable felt like a smoother ride, etc... just all around a very nice bike. Getting off the seat at a stop sort of happened pretty naturally on both the 51 and the 54, and I was able to stand over the 54, so it wasn't such a big deal. Everyone's comments were helping to me in thinking about what mattered about fit and feel in the bike, so thanks again.


Unfortunately, the 54 isn't in stock in the S3 (Jamis doesn't even have one they can ship); Blue Line said it would be in around the end of April. I guess I'm riding wife's Dr. Dew in the meantime. I wish I still had my Kona Explosif. I figured the month-long wait would be worth it though, I probably don't buy a new bike but every few years.


Wife is 5'4" with just about exactly the same leg length/PBH as me (within a couple millimeters), and she found the 51 much more comfortable (but she didn't want N+2, so she said she's keeping her Dr. Dew for now but that Jamis might be her next bike).