Originally Posted by
wrk101
+1 Back in the day (1970s), riders tended to be put on bigger frames. So if anything, much less seat post was exposed. So in the 1970s, I was put onto a 61cm frame (24 inch). I now ride a 56cm (22 inch). By any measure, a two inch difference in frame size is a lot. Needless to say, I had very little seat post showing at all on the 61cm frame. So on that bike, even if I had the stem down as low as it would go, seat was just about level with handlebars.
For me the amount of drop, seat post showing, and stem showing is as much as aesthetic thing to me. Of course, the drop should be appropriate for your level of fitness and flexibility. But while I can't quantify it for you, a bike just "looks right" when the seat post and stem are "right". That narrows it down doesn't it?!
Am I alone?