Originally Posted by
smd4
There are all kinds of rules of thumb you can use to determine approx. stem length. I never measured my TT length--the frame fits me according to the seat tube length, so since it's not a custom frame, the TT length is sort of out of my control. I prefer to be a little stretched out, so I have a 120 mm stem.
setback and top tube length do suggest a position on the bike. To ignore them is weird.
you are correct "as built " is just that, you do not have control, but it should influence a decision to buy, hold or sell.