Originally Posted by
jsharr
Think about it. Your leg should be almost fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke and the pedal is well above the ground.
I think you may have heard or been told wrong on this.
Leg almost fully extended when riding, but also
foot extended when you're standing at the lights, sitting on the saddle and toes on the ground.
Plus your bike will be canted towards the side on which you're extending the leg and foot to reach for the ground -> distance to ground is smaller than when riding.
I have been told the BBs moved further up with the advent of the 'compact' frame style; and that this happened because the frames nowadays are built to be 'idiot proof' to prevent lawsuits from ignorant people pedaling while cornering hard and falling over. Read from some 'expert' that I can't point out right now...