Question

[chicago]

Has anyone ever ridden a bike that was a perfect fit otherwise with a reach that was too short?

um that would be me. At 5'4, I am short legged, long torso'd... sucks for things like one piece bathing suits, sexy one piece lingerie, and then of course bikes. but let me say I look awesome in low waisted jeans

Soooooooooo in the past I always bought a frame one size bigger than what was correct. I didn't care if I cleared the bar, I cared more that I was stretched out fully in the torso... that's what felt good.

... but with an $$$ road bike, I bought the frame that fit my inseam (small). My seat is all the way back, and my stem is turned around to offer the most length... and even with that, I sit on the end of my seat... but I like that feel. My boyfriend says I sit too far behind the crank, that I am not getting the most optimal riding position, etc, etc... but I tell him to hush, because I don't care... I don't race like he does... and I do fine riding century's in this position.... and most of all, it's comfortable

So yes most of the bikes that fit my inseam are often too short in the torso area, but I tweak it to make it work.