lax

I'm looking to buy a bike for general utility riding with the odd longer weekend ride (50-100km) and prefer a relatively upright (though perhaps not bolt-upright) position. I've been looking at size charts and they all seem specific to road cycling with drop bars. I'm 5' 10.5" with a true inseam of ~33.75" (long-ish legs, short torso), and am trying to decide between a 56cm and 59cm frame (with TT lengths of 56cm and 59cm respectively). I typically ride a 56-57cm road frame with a shorter stem and quite a bit of seatpost extension, and am thinking that the 59cm frame might make it easier to get the bars (north roads) in the correct height relative to the saddle. Does it seem logical that for upright riding, a slightly larger frame than normal is a good idea? Or should I go for the "safe" option and get the 56cm frame. Unfortunately I can't test in person.

tangerineowl

5' 9.5" here, with same inseam. My ideal ETT is around 53, with a normal length stem (arms a bit short).

All I'll say is there are road bike models whose stack height is fairly high, relative to their reach.

I'd hunt around for such a frame (You'll be using a normal length stem).

fietsbob

what bike size do you own now? long top tube + a short stem + bars that come well back

I'm about same size
a diamond frame 56by56 would be just fine, I have a 58 by 60, self built, short seat post, longer..TT
for no interference between toe clips toes and the front mudguard,,
but the weight bias does have the front end lighter..
but I have a front basket on it now,

lax

Right now I ride a bike that has an ETT of 56cm, and an 80mm +7deg stem though it is set up with drop bars. I'm not sure what the switch from drops to upright (swept back north road) handlebars changes in bike fit. Does a slightly longer top tube help keep the bars from being too close?