Help a "Long Legs, Short Torso" rider escape geometry purgatory – Recommendations needed!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some collective wisdom on my next bike purchase. I’ve realized the hard way that my current setup is a biomechanical mismatch, and I’m ready to move on to something that actually fits my proportions.

The Body Stats:

• Height: 177 cm

• Inseam: 85.5 cm

• Proportions: Classic "Long Legs / Short Torso" (LLST).

The Current Problem:

I’m currently riding a Specialized Tarmac SL7 in size 56 (Reach: 398 mm, Stack: 555 mm). While it’s a beautiful machine, it’s become a "stretch-fest" nightmare for me.

To find a proper center of gravity and take the weight off my hands, I’ve had to push my saddle back on a 20 mm offset post (nearly maxing out the rails). This fixes the balance but makes the Reach to the bars absolutely massive for my short torso.

The Symptoms:

• Persistent lower back pain (specifically on the right side).

• Hand numbness and excessive pressure on the hoods.

• Feeling like I’m in a "Superman" position just to reach the controls.

What I’ve Learned:

A race-geo size 56 is simply too long, and a size 54 often has a Stack so low that the "saddle-to-bar drop" becomes too aggressive for my back. I need a frame that favors a High Stack-to-Reach ratio.

The Ask:

I’m looking for recommendations for a "fast but comfortable" frame that suits a short-torso rider. I’m leaning towards "All-Road" or "Endurance-Plus" geometries, but I still want something responsive.

Current candidates on my radar:

1. Superior RR (Looking at the size 54/M - the Stack seems promising).

2. Canyon Endurace (The CF SLX/CFR line).

3. Giant Defy Advanced SL.

Are there any other "Unicorn" frames I should look at that offer a short Reach without a slammed front end? If you are a fellow LLST rider, what are you riding that finally stopped your back pain?

Thanks in advance for the help!

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