Here is my issue. I ride a 52cm Scott Plasma which has a stack of 51.5 and a reach of 39.2. I went with the 52 even though the reach of the 54 seemed better. Scott has very strange stack and reach numbers. I figured that since saddle height is based on proper leg extension, and I can't make my legs any longer, I should get the frame size that will get me in an aggressive position and adjust the stem length accordingly. Now to get the reach of the 54 Plasma I need a 130mm stem on my 52cm.

I just read in the Stack and Reach Primer: Chapter 2 that, "The way you add to a frame's reach is to put on a longer and longer stem. But you also change the frame's structural integrity when you do so, and you also change its handling characteristics."

Obviously safety is first so do you think that I am reducing the structural integrity of my frame when using a 130mm stem? I guess it makes sense when you think about the added leverage that a longer stem puts on the steerer tube and headtube. The handling feels the exact same to me though.

The reason I am bringing this issue up is because I will be getting the new Plasma 2 frame soon, same geometry, and want to make sure that I should still get a 52 or get a 54 and instead of putting on a longer stem just use a stem with 35 degrees of drop.