Mick F wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong.
If a dropped 'bar bike had zero reach, would it handle correctly?
With the stem pointing forwards it gives stability as your hands would be forward of the steerer.
Could you in theory put the stem on backwards and there would be zero effect?
Somehow I think not.
Or am I wrong?
Willing to be educated here!
Where are the rider's hands?
If the rider has her hands on the tops because the reach is too long, and you shorten the reach so she is then comfortable with her hands on the hoods, if her hands are the same distance forward of the headset, then the steering is unaffected.
(If you ride no hands, the steering is the same whatever handlebars you have)