Originally Posted by
big john
When I was 35 I would set the top of the handlebar 4" below the top of the saddle. Now I'm 68 and have had some back injuries and I like the saddle no more than 2 inches above the bar top. I also use short reach shallow drop bars. I could have never used a bar drop of almost 6 inches, but I know some people can.
In your second photo it looks like the saddle is around 2" above the bar top.
Also, I know some people like the saddle pointing up but most of us run it level. Put your weight on your sit bones.
Close. 65. The saddle is ~4.25" above the bar top. I've always ridden saddle level and I'm reluctant to tilt. Although I suffer no back pain, I'm thinking more upright is what I have aged into.
I mostly stay on top of the handle bar and seldom use the drop.