Originally Posted by
rruff
My point is that this error would be easily avoided if they'd just define Reach at a fixed height above the bottom bracket.
Yea, this is not useful. The point of reach and stack is to fix the top of the headtube (where the stem typically sits) in space relative to the bottom bracket. The whole point of offering several sizes of bike is to eliminate the requirement for lots of spacers under the stem. The typical rider has a stem and handlebar in mind; the frame is sized to minimize the need for spacers and stem length changes.
Incidentally, this is why you don't see what whole "compact" frame sizing thing much anymore, even though most bikes have a sloped top tube. There was a fad in the late 90s where frames were basically S, M, and L, and you chose stems and seatposts to fit.
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