TakingMyTime

My last bike, A Razesa Columbus tubing frame has/had the following dimensions...
Standover - 83.1cm = 32.5in (this dimension fit perfect)
Top Tube - (C to C) - 57.1cm = 22.5in
Wheelbase - 99cm = 39in (not sure if that means anything).
...I was also using a 110mm Stem

I never fell in love with the fit. I tried to open it up with the longer stem but I still felt cramped. I moved the seat back and forth, still nothing. For the record I'm 6 foot tall and 32 inseam.

I was hoping to get a little input as to what I should be looking for as far as sizing goes (longer Top Tube etc). I've been hitting the local LBS around my area and I'm being told a 56cm frame would be best for me. I try them out but they still seem a little cramped. Yes, I know your first answer... try the next size up. Unfortunately finding a shop that carrys the brand, model and size I'd like to demo isn't always that easy. I'd like to shop by phone to make sure they have a bike close to what I am looking for and then take the drive out to see how the bike fits.

I know making a definitive suggestion would be impossible but with the dimensions I gave above, I was wondering what starting points I should be addressing. If there is anything else you would like me to answer just let me know.

DOS

Yes, shopping around can be a challenge since there is no guarantee that multiple sizes in same bike will be available to test. Based on you old bike, I am surprised that LBS is saying 56. The numbers you reference are similar to my bikes, which are 58 (Cdale, soma) and 60 (Schwinn). Rule of thumb is you want to be able to stand over the TT with some clearance (which may not be an issue if you are looking at bikes with sloped TT) but important factor in sizing is reach, so TT length is important. However, you can get to reach you need by altering stem length and saddle position but you need to be careful about that because you could wind up in a position over pedals that is not ideal.

So best advise is to ride as many as you can, don't buy if you are not comfortable, and work with LBS to dial in fit.

cyclezen

got that right, impossible

suggest going to competitivecyclist.com and doing their fit calculator.
then go ride a few bikes in the size ranges you're considering

Campag4life

First we don't know if the dimension you gave for inseam is for pants or your 'cycling inseam' with thin book up against your PB. I rode with a guy your size who just bought a new 56 Domane with about a flat 110 stem and his fit was text book and he was fast. It isn't just the number on the frame which I am sure you know. The Domane won't fit like a Trek H1 or Cervelo S5. I am just a hint taller than you but with 35" cycling inseam and ride a 58 Roubaix with 120mm stem. Arm length matters as well and my arm are on the longish side which matches my legs...common to have the same correlation. There is no substitute for owning different bikes and honing your learning curve about what bike fits best and why. Short of that, you need to find the frame you are considering...not just the number but the actual frame because they vary a lot from model to model and mfr. to mfr. Good luck. Fun to buy a new bike and seek to improve fit.