Originally Posted by
BCATC
I have a size "Large" 1993 stumpjumper, top tube measured at roughly 58-59cm when I normally ride 55-56cm bikes. It took time to figure out how to approach the reach because I felt stretched out on it despite having a long torso. I use a 80mm 25 deg stem with flared drop bars at pretty tall stem height to make it feel sort of comfortable, but I feel aches after around 2 hours of riding. Not sure how to proceed with it yet. I had a size "medium" 1995 stumpjumper that I sold, and even then I think the top tube measured at 57-58cm. Maybe having to have a higher seatpost height would've decreased reach?
Seatpost/saddle fore-aft isn't a variable for adjusting reach. The saddle/post gets adjusted in to fit your legs/knees to the pedals. After that, it/they become a constant relative to the front end of the cockpit.
You need to research vintage frame geometries and look for shorter top tubes..obvious, I know. They do exist. Take a look at the top tube length of the 1990-1993(4?) Trek mountain bikes, specifically the 900 series, though maybe the 800 series too(haven't looked). relative to TT length of the late '90s.
I converted a Trek 970 (haven't posted pics yet) to a dropbar touring bike..fits great.,,very similar to my road bikes. We just completed a 275 mile tour (6 days)..no fatigue from a bad fit.