Someone mentioned the Rivendell web site. If you search under "Rivendell frame fit" you can read their philosophy about frame sizing.

They say to get the LARGEST frame you can based on safe standover height because that way the handlebars will be approximately the same height as the saddle (maybe a tad lower), providing the most comfortable riding position.

That position is a 45-degree bend in the back, half way between bolt upright and flat out horizontal.

They say not to worry about getting too long a top tube. That can be "fine tuned" by buying a shorter and possibly HIGHER stem. They have entire essays devoted to stems under their Bicycling 101 column.

Granted, the Rivendell approach is stubbornly traditional, but it is consoling to those of us who feel distraught over having bought too large a frame.

In other words, my giant 24" Trek touring bike with the lugged frame is actually the perfect mount, and the 58cm (23") Fuji I just bought is, if anything too SMALL, not too large. Actually I think it's probably just right.

condor