Yes.

When you set saddle set back on a bike with drop handlebars, you're usually setting the maximum forward set back position that isn't too far forward where you weight isn't too far forward over the pedals. That position allows you to balance on the saddle but still bend from the waist for a lower handlebar position.

For touring bikes, it is common to use more set back (re-check saddle height - you'll need to lower it a little), and then use a shorter stem raised a little bit. The net effect is to rotate your legs, pelvis, back and hands up and back. This puts more weight on the saddle and rear wheel.


I did this recently with a road bike because I wanted to use a 90cm Cinelli stem I'd been saving. Moving the saddle back 15mm made the reach to the bar normal for me and didn't affect pedaling. I just run my stem a little higher than I othewise would have.