I figure that this is the best forum for this question, since the bike I'm working on is going to be my utility hauler.

I salvaged a Schwinn Woodlands rigid MTB over the holidays. I'd like to replace the bars with Velo-Orange Tourists (sort of a swept back porteur-ish bar with a little bit of rise) so I can put a CETMA 7-rail on the front and not have brake/shift levers in the way of large loads. I also dig the idea of an upright utility bike.
I haven't set up a bike with this type of handlebar, and here's the question: In relation to the saddle height, how high is a good starting point to aim for with the bars if I'd like to be sitting fairly upright? (I'm putting a springer Brooks saddle on the bike, so a forward lean isn't really what I'm after.

Bottom of the grips level with the top of the saddle, and move up from there.


Upright ride


Bolt upright
Without the slack seat angle this would start to feel like ape hangers.