Originally Posted by modbiker
Does it make sense to down-size to get a shorter top tube length?
Not necessarily. Riding a smaller frame means the bars will be lower compared to the saddle which increases the effective reach. Net result may be worse rather than better. It all depends on the frame and exactly what the differences are. I'll never ride a little frame again.
Originally Posted by modbiker
Should I be concerned about this overlap when shopping for a tourer, or is it pretty much irrelevant?
If it's only on sharp turns at low speed, it's probably no concern.