Originally Posted by ClydeClydeson

I am suspicious of any 'rule' that gives specific numbers for bike fitting as they invariably ignore that every individual person has different flexibility and strength. The proof is in the comfort - if the rider is comfortable and able to accomplish their distance and speed goals without pain or numbness, then the bike fits. For the guideline you stated, a 200lb person would have 50lbs of load on their hands, which is excessive. There may be a range of acceptable fraction of body weight that can or should be carried by the hands on the bars, but 25% seems like a lot.