Originally Posted by
Duane Behrens
Yes. Well. I've already replaced those $600 handlebars with an off-the-rack set - and a new steering stem - from my LBS. That change alone brings the reach to the handlebars closer to the rider by almost three inches! Moving the seat forward on its rails gave me the additional one inch I needed to duplicate the specs on Jane's bike.
You can't use saddle position to set reach because it changes how your weight balances and can put too much on your hands.
Stand on your toes with your butt and heels against the wall. Lean over and fall over.
Do the same in the middle of the room and you can even touch your toes because your butt moved aft to counter balance your torso.
The same thing happens on a bike.