Originally Posted by
HillRider
OK, what Drew and FB were warning about was moving the saddle excessively forward in an attempt to get closer to the bars without consideration for the rider's position relative to the bottom bracket. I'll also go on record as thinking one-piece bars and stems are a very expensive way to limit your sizing choices. A fashionable bad idea.
Drew and FB jumped to conclusions, when they SHOULD have asked "How far did you move it forward?" or "Where was the seat positioned before you moved it?"
A blanket statement like "You can't use saddle position to set reach" is not only inappropriate - it's incorrect. Saddle position DOES affect reach to the bars, unavoidably, and every time you change it. Drew, if you were correct in your assertion that we CAN'T use seating position to affect reach, we'd all be living with fused, non-adjustable saddles. Fortunately we don't, and are thus able to combine seat position, stem length and height, even crank lengths to find a comfortable and safe geometry combination. Thanks.
Agree with the quote on integrated bars being an expensive way to limit your sizing choices. Sure is pretty, though. :-)