Stems & fit...

[Miranda]

OK, I have worked my way from the back end of the bike on fit, all the way to the front end now. Need some more help...

What's the difference of having a stem with a rise, vs a straight stem?

I know one obvious effect is that the bars are brought higher up. BUT, does a rise in the stem shorten the reach also?

While bike shopping, I tried a 120mm stem w/a 6 degrees rise. The TT was shorter than my bike now, that has a 95mm straight stem, but the reach was better. How is this?

I've heard like there is more than one way to skin a cat, there is more than one way to fit a bike.

The legs were pretty good on the set up. Just trying to understand what's my formula options for the front.

Btw, I did find a stem calc tool via old threads here & w/Mr. Google's help, but I just don't quite get it. I need some special TE tutoring help.