Bicycle Mechanics - Getting saddle further forwards?

http://www.apollobikes.com/z.bikepages/IR_bikefotos/rdz2000.jpg
As you can see here, my Apollian bicycle has a seat post that goes up, and then the bracket for the saddle points backwards. I need to shorten my reach from saddle to handlebars

I have already got a 50mm shorter stem. The saddle is as far forwards as it can possibly go.

I have had suggested to me that I can perhaps turn the seatpost 180deg and turn the saddle around on it. Thus the bracket would be in front of the post and not behind it. I tried this, but alas the mechanism for tilting the saddle (nose up/down etc) is stuck fast and won't move! is this a good idea? and how do i get the tilting part to unfreeze? Also I have heard that there are seat posts around that would get me further forwards?

TIA
Brendon

Hi,
a number of seatposts have the clamp right on top of the shaft; no set back. This may fix one problem and create another. A lot of people use Mtn bike stems. These can be extremely short, and steep. If there is room, add some spacers to lift the stem higher. An expensive solution is to get a new fork with an uncut steerer tube, and use a bunch of spacers to get that stem close to the level of the handlebars.

The saddle layback should not be altered to set the length to the bars.
Set the layback to place the saddle comfortably when your knee is over the pedal spindle at trhe 6:00m position. You can move it +- 1cm to suit, but thats what layback is for. I use a post with an in-line clamp, and I like a forward saddle position, but that is independant of bar position. If you want the bars further back, then get a shorter stem, or just admit that the bike doesnt fit you, and get a shorter one.
For an av 5'10" male, a stem length of 8-12 cm is about the usual range for comfort.

You can also get bars with smaller radius drops, and if you are really desparate, brake levers with a smaller extension, but rally, you need a frame the correct length to start with

Hi again,
If you do try some of these ideas, you might want to try them in this order.
1)Mtn bike stem +spacers (real short, real steep....)
2)Michael's idea about the handlebars reminded me that I use the Salsa Poco, nice bar. It works for me, I have been trying to find a bar I like better. I can't find one I like as much as this one. It is double wrapped in shock absorbing tape.
I saw Specialized's Phat Wrap in a LBS yesterday, think I will rewrap the bars using that. I also use strips of foam to lessen the valley that the hoods create. I don't flatten that curve; but I did reduce it to the point where it feels quite comfy.
This will sound counterintuitive, but if you can find a seatpost that will allow you to move your butt further back, just try it in the shop. If the frame is a little small for you; you might find it an improvement. I would do this after you get the shorter stem, of course.

I don't think you can hide the truth anymore: this bike is too big for you. Don't waste too much on it-it will never really fit you.

Profile Design do some fast forward seatposts that give you a more forward position on the bike, however I'd be attempted to agree with Dave, if you're running a 50mm stem and you're still way too stretched out then I'd guess it's the wrong size. Take a few tests to measure yourself like the wrenchscience one, or the zinn one, and see what size frame etc they recommend. Don't expect it to be exact, but if it's not in that ballpark then it probably is the wrong size.

Here's a link to competitive cyclist's fit calculator:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

You may want to have someone help you with the measurements, and it also helps to take them two or three times and average the results.

You may feel a heck of a lot more comfortable simply by switching to a shorter high-rise stem.

what size bike is it? and what size are you?