Originally Posted by
redlude97
Not following, conserved? I find the opposite to be true. Higher bars need a shorter stem, if you are raising the bars on a particular bike to open the hip angle, your effective reach decreases. So while lowering the stem increases reach, a closed hip angle and lower torso increases reach. That is generally the idea with endurance geometries. Shorter reach and higher stack.
Nope. Just not true. Read Rivendell's fit philosophy and why they espouse bigger frames. A taller head tube moves the handlebars closer to the shoulder joints where the arms attach to the body. In effect, a taller bike shortens reach and why either the top tube or stem must be lengthened to compensate. Of course with a bigger frame the top tube is longer naturally which accounts for the shortened reach of a taller bike. This is the predicate of Rivendell stating that many ride a bike too small. It is also why pro's can ride a smaller frame. Because a smaller frame has a lower handlebar which increases reach compensating for a shorter top tube. Reach really isn't much different between frame sizes. 'Type' of reach varies quite a bit however...amount of drop which puts more or less weight on the hands.