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Old 10-26-13 | 04:54 AM
  #18  
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Road Fan
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

Choteau, it's great that you're using data to start to see why these bikes do not feel the same, but you need to look at seat tube angle, seat lug setback, or saddle setback to really understand how your saddle position varies among these bikes. In the old days of level top tubes, frame size mattered because a higher top tube (bigger frame) usually implied less standover clearance, higher bar position, and longer top tube. With more modern sloped-top designs, seat tube height really doesn't matter. Seat tube angle does, and always has since it controls how far back from the BB plumb line you'll have to sit, and whether your best target posiiton is within the adjustment range for any given frame.

After that, top tube with stem and handle bar design affect how far you'll have to reach. Head tube length or frame stack affect how high above ground, and hence above/below your saddle, your handlebars need to be. But the criteria for saddle position, reach, and bar height above/below the saddle are based on your body geometry, flexibility/limitations, and actual/goal riding style.
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