Originally Posted by
chaadster
To answer the OP's question, I'd say this is not important at all, and is merely an expression of a fitting philosophy rather than some gold standard that needs to be met in order to ride a bicycle, for example, like your feet need to be able to reach the pedals when sitting on the saddle. That's important. Being able to hold your torso in the hoods grip position without using your hands is not.
Exhibit A: I've never tried it exactly, but I'm pretty sure I can't, yet it doesn't stop me from riding happily for hours at a stretch, and with some pretty decent power.
Alternatively, if you want to ride a bike like you would sit in a chair, then yes, this is important!
I agree completely. I have not read the article but common sense dictates that this has to be only one part of his fitting philosophy and not the centerpiece. That's because no matter where your saddle is, there is bound to be a handlebar position that allows this (like right in front of your chest forcing you upright). Given that it can't be the most important part of the fitting, take it for an ancillary detail. That said, I tried this on my bike yesterday and found that I can lift my hands off the bars and not fall forward but it takes muscular action from my back to accomplish this.