Originally Posted by
Dean V
Everything is set from the BB. That is why stack and reach measurements are better than previous systems as it is based on the BB as a datum.
Only real gremlin is it the reach measurement being effected by the stack due to the steering head angle. That can be worked around with some simple maths.
The bolded part is the premise by which we claim to operate. But clearly manufacturers' expect us, or at least those of us who are smaller than average, to not. Smaller riders are forced to adopt a position more forward than taller riders, or accept very short stems.
I guess the point of this thread (originally started over a year ago) was to question the whole 'stack & reach' concept because it seems clear to me that it either doesn't really matter given some popular frame geometries or matters much less than we all seem to think or smaller riders are out there suffering for no good reason, but since I can't change size I'll never know.
For now, I'll be happy knowing that the one very small female for whom I set up a road bike is on a bike with geometry that conforms to the norm for average cyclists, thanks to its use of ISO520 wheels. She may be riding wheelchair tires but at least they are good ones (Schwalbe Ones).