Originally Posted by
Longfemur
The classic, moderate racing bike position evolved for a reason. Not only is it more efficient, it's more comfortable on long rides, even though it may not seem like it if you're just sitting on the bike in your living room. If you lower your saddle as you did, there is really, truly, a tremendous drop in pedaling power.
Then there is the wider, more padded saddle idea. This is almost ALWAYS a bad idea on a road type bicycle. They compress and put pressure on all of your crotch, they chafe more... just bad news all around.
What's a moderate road racing position? Well for me, it's my saddle adjusted a little higher than the heel on pedal method, but not as high as the "LeMond" method. It's my fore-and-aft position just a touch behind what KOPS gives me, and it's my handlebars about an inch below the saddle top but with the proper reach for me at that level. It might not work for everyone, but I would suggest that if you want to ride a lot, it's a good starting point.
I can understand the reason for the riding position, but I also figure it is factoring other normal desires - like going faster. I want to go fast, but only in the relative sense compared to riding a comfort bike (heavier, wide tires). Right now, I wouldn't mind the problem of sitting more erect on a racing bike, though I haven't raised the handlebars to find out if that works - can't budget the epense of the part, labor, and some new cables needed as a result.
I've read about bike fitting systems, but not in the specifics so your description is unclear right now, but I'm sure I can research your references. At the moment, my seat top is the same as the top of the handlebars (measured by the stem) - 36 inches.
You mention a higher seat, but I would thing that higher would be less moderate.