Bike fit / correct riding position

Why was riding Cavendish a bike "too small" for him again?

If headtube angle and rake is the same, you'll benefit a more efficient wheel suck sizing down.

Toe overlap could be a problem I suppose.

Edit - at those sizes, probably not.

Anyone with any ideas regarding outer knee (tendon?) pain?

@Chak Usually comes from tight ITB or glutes pulling the knee out of its natural line during the pedal stroke. Have someone film you from front and behind and see if your knees are dropping in towards the top tube. Narrow stance (feet too close to cranks) can also be an issue.

@Chak I'm looking into the same thing atm, suspecting it's ITB
This might be more helpful:
http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/144431/?offset=1175#comment12175033

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I want to learn more about saddle setback. Initially I kind of bodged my way to a position by way of the KOPS method. But recently the bit of my quads just above my knees were telling me that something was wrong and I got the idea that it had to do with the seat being too far forward. It felt a bit like being on a unicycle.
I shifted saddle backwards a bit (10 - 15mm?), and as it took away that particular niggle I must have been sort of right, but that doesn't mean my new position is the overall correct one.

I am keen to learn how to to find the best saddle set back by actually listening to the sensations in my legs – as opposed to either KOPS or a pricey bike fit.
That being said, I don't really know what sensations in my legs signal what in terms of seat seatback.

Is the saddle forward enough for smashing it on the rivit and back enough for (hands-on-tops) seated climbing with a bit of heel dip?

If so, job done.

smashing it on the rivit

que?

Rivet not rivit! :)

Riding as fast as you can, seated but forward on the bike.

(the phrase originated from when saddles were riveted)

Read this for a start?

http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com

^ Or more specifically: seat set back

Everyone needs more setback

Cheers.. just skimming trough the article I get the impression my whole question is wrong.
Instead of listening to my legs I should pay attention to my torso/balance/breathing when deciding seat seatback?
Now I'm thinking that my recent need to move my saddle back might have been instigated by me gradually developing a longer/more stretched out upper body on my road bike. As opposed to any issues with my quads. Cool, will be more mindful of my upperbody on next ride.

A list of personal details you didn't ask for, that I am nevertheless including for no particular reason:

• I've got long legs, just a smidgeon below the upper red line on this chart.
  
• My hamstrings are pretty OK for a bloke nearing 40.
  
• My heel is usually horisontal at 9 o'clock. I've got my seat in the lower section of the recommended height-range in order to achieve this. Fuck pedalling tip-toe like a ballerina.
  
• I ride on the hoods 97% of the time. Admit it, so do you lot. Tops and hoods for a bit of occasional variation maybe, I never ride in the drops.
  
  

EDIT.

What bugs me is the short effective torso rider will be less short effective (longer) if he chooses a stem 20mm longer than on the picture - visa versa on the long effective torso rider. Does the stem then indirect become a set-back-whisperer?

"...never ever in the drops. Admit it, so do you lot."

Even when you sprint? You're hoods are too low or your drops too deep (or both).

Sprint or short burst big gear climbing in anything but tailwind.

I think it's best just get the saddle 'right' (and cleats). Sort your arms / stem out later.

Yes

My drops are more comfortable than the hoods when riding hard. Less aero though (probably).

Also less able to see up the road.

I'm guessing the point was to illustrate a person who due to injury or back problems is unable to ride with a longer stem?

But talking of the pictures, it the Australian guy meant to be an ideal set up? It seems to me that he is in violation of the rule (of thumb) that you should not be able to see your hubs over the handlebars?

riding hard

It seems to me that he is in violation of the rule (of thumb) that you should not be able to see your hubs over the handlebars?

Gives the rider a more profitable wheel suck, being further into the draft.