Originally Posted by
carpediemracing
There's a reason why I spec'ed out a 120mm stem as my base stem for a custom frame - it was to place my hands properly relative to the front wheel. I figured out the top tube length based on that 120mm stem.
Of course that was with a normal bar. With a compact I really a longer stem. I've gone with a 145mm stem and it's been good (the bars are I think technically 28mm shorter in reach). With the compact I also needed to move the bars down 3 cm, so I had to do that as well. For me the only way was to do a custom stem.
so when you have a normal, round bar vs one with compact reach, you are finding that you increase stem length by 2.5cm and reduce drop (in the stem) by 3?
cool stuff, cdr.
i use different bars on 2 bikes but they are within a few mm of drop and reach. i have some 130mm stems i might play with a bit. i've found saddle height/setback to be critical, while cockpit position is more preference (comfort + handling).