Originally Posted by
rufvelo
Sounds like a performance oriented rider and in such cases, flipping the stem (LOWER) will bring out the best in your performance - sprinting or centuries. I ride with a 4 inch drop, would simply not be able to do 100 miles with a level seat-post. Raising the bars is OK for comfort, especially if you already have back problems, but let's not kid ourselves and combine this with higher performance targets.
Um...no. Flipping the stem is more of a joke on here than anything else. Stem position has to do with the geometry of the bike relative to the proportion of the rider including his fitness and flexibility. I am long legged and ride with a shortish head tube for my leg length and therefore ride with my stem flipped up.
If anybody thinks that stem down is good for everybody they are wrong.
The guy that raced the bike below in the TdF could easily drop anybody on this forum with slammed/inverted stem and 6" of drop.
Handlebar height has to match the rider's capability and stem position is just a means to putting the bars in the best place for a given rider.
A 75 year old guy who used to be a top racer may now prefer his handlebar level to his saddle. Bar height and reach is unique to each rider.