Well, I tried that elbow measurement and the tip of my middle finger can reach to the center of the stem holder screw. They don't reach to the handlebar. I don't know how the saddle fore-aft position could affect this measurement but I adjusted my saddle as back as possible so that the ball of my feet and the tip of my kneecaps align vertically. It was only possible if I set the saddle as back as possible so I can't move it forward to reach the handlebar easier. I think the reach for the handlebar is only a flexibility issue and how aerodynamic position you want to have. My problem with this bike is I think it hurts my knees for some reason. I am trying to see if it is because of small frame size.