- As I said above, varies with each rider’s experience & preference.
Per the origin of the handling side of this discussion, we were first looking at the new Lauf Uthald that takes the “long& slack” formula to the extreme (at least within the road “race” bike spectrum). See the delta between a Med Uthald & 54 Melee and note just how much longer the Uthald is than the Melee. Add in the head tube angle and they become fairly different bikes in handling would be my expectation.
Personally, even with 60mm deep aero wheels I’ve never had an issue with my aprarently “aggressive” Emonda using old school race geo. I also have endurance bikes (Roubaix & Domane) along with time on plenty of longer gravel bikes to know the handling extremes in the drop bar realm.
Each has pros & cons depending on your preference. None are purely right or wrong, it’s just a matter of choice. I personally think the Uthald is rather far on the end of the spectrum and not at all something I’d want in any road situation. The Melee looks interesting and would be something I’d try at least.