I think manufacturers make these bikes with super steep STAs to fool people that don't understand the relationship between STA and TT length, making them think they are getting a bike with a shorter reach if the person is only comparing the TTs on two bikes, and not correcting for differences in STA. You are right, supposedly they started steepening the STAs in order to fit a 700c rear wheel, but heck, I have three terry bikes with 700c rear wheels and 73 degree STAs in sizes 44-48 cm! It should be eaiser with 650c. Furthermore, those same bikes they make with 76 degree STAs in small sizes come with 73 degree STAs in big sizes (look at a madonne geometry chart, for example). What's up with that? If the steeper angle was critical for performance you can be sure the guys would get it! I am maxed out at 73, even 74 is too steep for me, but its about balance on the bike. I need a slack STA to feel balanced, but I can see how someone with a shorter femur would be better balanced on a bike with a steeper STA. Lets not even talk about what they can do to HTAs on smaller bikes........ Lets just say I love my terrys.