Saddle position has nothing to do with reach.

Reach is the horizontal distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the head tube where it intersects the top tube.

Moving the saddle does not change reach. The only way to change reach is to buy a different frame.





The proper way to set up a diamond-frame bike is to set the following in order:
1) Saddle height relative to the bottom of the pedal stroke
2) Saddle fore/aft relative to the bottom bracket
3) Height of the bar relative to the saddle (saddle to bar drop) and distance from the saddle to the bar tops.

Step 3 is done with steerer height, stem length and angle, and to a lesser extent, the handlebar itself. A properly sized frame, one with correct reach, is assumed.

A saddle can be moved back to compensate for a shorter stem but it will always be less optimal than a properly fit bike as it moves the riders hips and knees relative to the cranks. This can impinge hip angles, compress the abdomen and impact breathing, and cause other problems. A worst case is extremely poor fit leading to injury over time. Reduced power and comfort are more likely. How much anyone can get away with is a personal decision.

Recumbents have nothing to do with proper setup of a diamond frame bike.


-Tim-