Originally Posted by
tarwheel
The most important dimension for most people is the top tube length because that determines your reach. However, seat tube angle has a big effect on the effective top tube length. A steeper STA shortens the effect top tube because you have to move the saddle back to achieve the same knee-over-pedal position. Likewise, a more relaxed STA angle effectively shortens the top tube.
Tarwheel - Although I think you meant to say that a steeper STA "lengthens" the effective top tube I get what you are saying. I'd never thought of that. You pointed out a grey area that I might not have ever realized. Thanks.
I did a bit of googling and discovered a relatively new method of comparing modern frames from different manufacturers. It's called Stack and Reach. Trek and Salsa actually include them in their geometry charts. Does anybody have any practical experience with this? Opiniions?