Originally Posted by cocoasprinkles
When i'm in the drops is the front hub supposed to be hidden behind the handle bar on the stem? My friend just got fitted and his fitter (pretty reputable guy) asked him that question.
So should i base my stem height (quill) off of this?
Base your stem height off of what feels good. An often quoted acceptable range is from 1-3" of drop from the top of your saddle to the top of your bar.
Two other ways to check reach (since that seems to be what you were initially referring to):
Put your elbow on the nose end of your saddle and extend your fingertips to your bar (arm parallel with top tube). Your fingertips should be about a centimeter away from the bar.
Alternatively, you can sit on your bike with your hands on the hoods. Crouch a bit and put your forearms horizontal and keep your upper arms vertical (your arms should make a 90 angle). In this position, look down; your nose should be right over the center of the bar.
The hub-obscured-by-the-bar rule can work, but fork rake can throw it off.