Originally Posted by
fishboat
There's nothing sudden about it. Nearly everything is known before you start a conversion. Drop bar specs (reach) are published on most bars. Sites like:
Stem Comparison Tool | yojimg.net
give you a specific idea of the impact a stem will have on stack and reach.
yes, I have that bookmarked and use it extensively. I also like to send people to:
whatbars.com
bikegeo.net
bikegeo.muha.cc
I think that second link can help you estimate the reach and stack on a vintage bike with some degree of accuracy. useful for conversions, but I didn't know how to use it at the time of those builds mentioned above.
I've seen that thread about vintage conversions and I probably need to spend more time reading it carefully. most of it is photos of conversions but I would need to know the frame size and the rider's height as a starting point. that information is not always given. the rider just says in effect "I slapped a some drop bars [sic] on this bike and it rides like a dream!" I have pretty average proportions with perhaps longer legs for my height.