Hi all,

I've been road riding for the past 3 years and am currently on the market to upgrade my 9 speed Ultegra, aluminum Norco.

While I would LOVE to purchase a new bike from a store where I can try them out this is a little bit difficult as I live in Japan and the majority of the frame sizes in the stores are 54cm or smaller. I am also the tallest rider in my club, so there is no chance for me to try out larger sizes there.

Question:
My current bike is 56 cm with about 3-4 cm of risers under the handlebars. After doing the measurements for fit on CC's website they state that 56 is the ideal size for me. However, I'm curious if I would be better suited for a 58 cm frame instead? I am 180 cm (6 ft.) with a 91 cm (35") inseam, a short torso, and longer arms. When I went to a LBS here they told me that I would be best suited to ride a 61 cm frame. I think that's far too big. I feel comfortable on the 56 and worry that I might be too stretched out for something bigger...

Would I be foolish to spend money on the smaller frame in hopes of building it up to size?

OR...do I build up my current bike by upgrading the wheelset and perhaps groupset and upgrading my frame later?

Thanks in advance for your help/advice.