Originally Posted by
pakossa
Yes, good point! As the torso bends forward, the center of gravity moves forward, and the butt needs to move backward to restore the CG position close to the BB plumb line.
Then why do time trialists/triathletes insist on having the saddle so far forward? (I understand that "opens up the hip angle," but I guess that screws up the CG, doesn't it?)
Because the center of gravity relative to the bottom bracket isn't as critical a consideration as people seem to believe. In my humble opinion.
In a way you've pointed out a flaw in the whole "crouch balance hands-off" test. Weight on the saddle changes the whole force vector picture, and hence the distribution of weight between the saddle and handlebars. A more forward lean from the saddle moves weight towards the hands, and that can happen moving either the hands forward or the butt back.