Thinking of a new bike

[KnottedYet]

Like tzvia said, top tube length is mighty important for fitting. We all know how to do a quick check for standover, but there is a quick and dirty way to check reach, too!

"Old wive's tale" fitting tricks.

I keep finding that the old wive's tale fitting tricks (bar obscures the hub while riding, able to drop heel slightly at DBC, can straddle bike and lift it off the floor, etc.) are actually generally pretty close.

The top-tube/stem length one might be fun to play with when you are doing test rides (it's quick!).

Place the back of your elbow against the very front end of the saddle nose. Straighten your wrist and fingers. If the over all reach (combo of top tube length and stem reach) is anywhere in your ball park, the tips of your fingers should be touching the clamp for the bar.

Now, this is totally dependent on saddle placement and length of saddle nose and all those things, but just like "can I stand over it?" will screen out bikes from consideration before you even test ride, this one could at least give you a feel for the likely reach issues of a bike you are looking at on the shop floor.