Originally Posted by
Road Fan
The idea in saddle fore/aft is to get one's center of gravity close to dead above the BB axis. This keeps you from sliding forward or back on the bike, helps you stand to pedal or cushion your butt from road pounding, and tends to use your balance to reduce the hand force needed to hold you up.
After yu get this aspect in equilibrium, then set your bar reach and height.
No! That is all backwards. The seat to BB relationship is all about your position relative to the best power, comfort and aerodynamics of your body. Same with handlebars. After those are in place, your weight is where it is relative to the BB and more important, the wheels. If that is not optimum for handling, then that frame doesn't really suit you. (My weight ends up being far enough forward of the BB that I have my customs built with rear triangles as short as feasible and longish front centers.)
My feeling is that the bike is a tool to support my riding, not vice versa. (Although this forum is "Fitting Your Bike" so perhaps I am in the wrong place. I should be in 'Getting Your Bike to Fit".)
Ben