Originally Posted by
carleton
1st rule of bike fitting: Set the relationship of your butt to your bottom bracket first, then decide on the top tube length that will give you the desired reach.
2nd rule of bike fitting: DO NOT move your saddle back to get more reach for your upper body. This will change how your legs address the pedals.
Your fit on the bike is a 2-part system:
- Butt to the Bottom Bracket
- Butt to the Front Axle.
They are related, but should be considered separately, one then the other.
This sounds like you're advising he not move his saddle back. Is that your intention? This seems like the obvious first step to me, from a mechanican perspective, though it will also go a good way towards fixing the reach problem. I also agree that the bike size may be ok. Start with the butt!