Originally Posted by CameraMan
Here's my long serving commuter bike - a Marin Pine Mountain MTB -now with Campag Centaur.
And Here's my latest creation - A Scott Scale 30-XC again with Campag Centaur and BB7roads.
Every few years, I forget that I just don't get along with flat bars, so I buy another MTB.
The Scott lasted 3 rides before I upgraded it. Now I'm very very happy with it.
PS: It's a myth you need a shorter stem - look how far back the seat is on the Marin - one day I will get change the stem from a 90 to 110mm.
Using a shorter stem is not a myth if you intend on riding in the drops (which is where the bars are best used off road). Saddle position is not used to adjust for reach to the bars. You set the saddle to put the rider over the BB/pedals properly, then adjust the stem length for reach (hopefully your TT length is in the useable range).
I could never use the bars on the Scott as you have removed the position I use 85% of the time and the bars are a bit low if the hooks were still there.