Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
I agree with CFB...forget the crank thing vis a vis reach. Position your seat to put yourself over the BB as you prefer, and use stem and bars to adjust for reach.
If you'r looking at new bikes, I'm sure you can find one with a tall enough head tube that with the right stem, you could put the bars where you need them.
Definitely go with a 56, though. There's a lot more room to stretch fit than shrink it, and more advantages to riding a smaller bike than larger.