Longer wheelbase is just plain under appreciated these days. I spec'd my Rodriguez with 500mm chainstays for a reason. The bike itself is a bit slower than my racing bikes & that is to be expected because of the hub, fit, tires, and the aero of tubes & racks everywhere, but the thing rides like a full on luxury limosene.
I'd like to see a "modern" bike take 50 pounds of gear on the rear rack in stride & still have the ability for front bags. It'd be fun to watch, at least.
I extended the dropouts of my 1972 Schwinn Varsity from 18 to 20 inches with a waterjet & a brazing torch. The surgical precision & stability of handling & straight line that bike rides is like no other.
The Salsa Marrakesh has similar geometry to the Schwinn Varsity OEM as well. ~70 degree head tube 55mm of rake, 18 inch chainstays.
What's old is new again.
Glad you finally "got it!"
