Thanks for the info. I am 5'9 but the handlebars seem a little bit of a reach for me and I think I may get fatigued on a long 400 mile day. I have no problem at all reaching the ground so I thought the reduced reach seat (one like you got, not extra reduced) might help with that. I too think it takes away though from the looks of the bike. Problem is the wife is not going to like the stock seat... good thing she does not ride much!! I think I will keep the original seat and maybe, just maybe consider reduced reach bars.