Originally Posted by
Duane Behrens
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. :-)
I disagree with the bolded statement above, unless we're just arguing semantics 8-). Saddle position should never be used to adjust reach. Period. Saddle position should only be used to adjust the position of the rider over the pedals. Reach should then be adjusted with the stem length and angle, handlebar choice and lever position.
Regardless of where the saddle was originally, the OP should adjust the saddle positon based on the rider's preference and comfort over the pedals. We have no idea if the original position was bad or not, but the fact remains that (it sounds as if) he simply moved the saddle to reduce reach, not to position the rider over the pedals. That is not the correct sequence to obtain good fit.
On the other hand, I would never argue against anything that the rider truly feels is better and more comfortable. So... regardless of my pedantry, it sounds like the right moves were made. Because, even with the rules of thumb, measurments, etc., trial and error and tweaking are the way good fit is accomplished. Bottom line is that she loves the bike and rides comfortably.