Originally Posted by chaadster

Well, apparently, conventional wisdom doesn't have it quite right in this case, not that I put much stock in conventional wisdom in any case.

Take multi-time national cycling champ and Carmichael Training Systems coach Andy Applegate... He says:

"If you're short, slide back on the saddle to generate more force through the top of the pedal stroke and to encourage your heel to drop through the bottom of the stroke. If you're tall, slide forward, positioning your hips so they come close to lining up with the bottom bracket to generate maximum muscle force." Climbing Tips | Bicycling

Generate maximum muscle force...that's what I'm talking about!