I'm now on my third bike and all three came with 25mm setback posts and I have all my saddles as far forward as they'll go and still think I could go forward another 5mm or so.

My question is ... How many people have/use zero setback posts? I feel like my physical dimensions are fairly normal and proportioned. Is this a preference thing or could my femurs just be short and I don't realize it?

I'm gonna get a zero setback post for the modern road bike and see if that works for me.

Discuss.

Theres nothing wrong with using a zero setback seatpost, I use one on my 29'er mountain bike for the best fit and my body geometry is pretty standard.

Between manufacturers, frame geometry can change quite a bit. So even if your the frame size is the same as your older bikes, the geometry of the frame can change your positioning, needing a more forward saddle position to be comfortable.

If it helps your bike fit . then go for it.

Thompson for one, makes premium quality seat-posts
with the clamp directly on top of them.

Both my road bike and my CX bike have zero setback seat posts. No problems.

After dialing in with a pro fit I cannot imagine being more comfortable. I need around a 6mm setback, more or less with most frames my size. The zero offset seatpost is my better option, and only option on seatposts with long clamps.

Gippieme once made a zero (or nearly zero) setback post, way back in the vintage days. Fluted on the shaft too.

I use them on std road bike geometry. I think I have a short femur/long lower leg so it suits me.

Thanks everyone. I've ordered a zero setback post for my modern road bike and if fits the bill I'll replace the posts on my other two bikes.

+1

But it makes me wonder who's been fitting the OP on the three bikes he's got. It also does not address if the presumed reach problem is really about stem length.

The OP has been fitting himself as the need arises :-)
And according to my reading on fit (all the usual internet sources) - stem length is dependent upon saddle fore-aft and not the other way around. Besides I didnt say I had a problem with reach, just saddle position.

I've put thousands of miles on my road bike so my fit isn't bad, or that uncomfortable, I'm just always looking to make it better.

Same problem here and I either have to use the "Inline" seat posts or use the next size down frame. One thing I like about the inline seatposts is the "Micro" adjustment that is possible with this type of post