Originally Posted by freddiesan
I vote for small, quick and responsive instead of large and sluggish. If the top tube is a tad too short I just get a longer stem, like dolface said. But there's a thin line between small and too small and that's what sometimes can be a bit tricky. I don't like it when the rider looks like he's going to crush the bike because of his bigger size. It's all about harmony between the rider and his bike. A little extra room for your friend below is never a bad thing either.
I don't think a long stem gives responsive handling. It basically makes for a long lever, you need to move the bars farther for the same output at the front wheel. I agree it's a fine line between small and too small. I'm still not sure where that line falls for me, but I'd rather er on the side of large (but not too large) than too small