Originally Posted by
DaveSSS
I think AEO had the correct answer. A lighter (and stiffer) frame that allows the bars to go lower. You don't often see that small frame with a 2cm spacer stack or a rising stem. The stems are often 73 (-17) degrees with no spacers.
I realize that you qualified this statement, but when I was looking at various photos from this year's TdF I was surprised at the number of pros that had spacers.