I do not know about you, but I am short and like most people I am preconditioned for at least two things A) Mount/ dismount from the left side of the bike and B) swing my leg over the back of the bike. I used to tour on a 52cm bike, and now that I am touring on about a 40cm, I do not need to swing my leg up and over my tent and pad that are on my rear rack, I am able to step over the top tube (much easier). Most tourists 1) buy a bike that is too big and 2) Do not consider the step over- ability when buying a bike. 3) And ride with a silly upright position. I can not speak for you, but for me, as long as the effective top tube is 52- 54 cm I am good to go with the right stem/ spacers.