If anyone can help I need a question about sizing answering or some advice regards standover on suspension bikes.

My buddy is considering a suspension bike !!! decided on a Trek fuel EX9 but is rather strangely shaped  5' 8" with a 29 in max inside leg

I went to the shop with him to offer some advice on sizing and the old rule used to be about 3" clearance between the old glory tube and top tube. After many hours of trying lots of models it became apparant something has changed and even the 15" frame only left 1" of clearance

So what gives? Does top tube clearance not matter any more? Its hard to find the right size for him.

I ride a 16" giant and theres only an inch also ,but reach wise it is a bit cramped which is why I said forgo the clearance and get the right reach.

 can anyone else offer advice

 TIA

Suspension bikes are a couple of inches higher at the BB than hardtails, and they don't all drop the top tube to compensate. Some brands are better than others.

i said forgo the clearance and get the right reach

I can offer no better advice than that.