A moronic question occurred to me this morning.

[Tom]

And being more moronic than the question's answer required I could not answer it. I, like John Prine, find that the loudest voice I hear is the one inside my own head.

Enough on my pathology. The question:

I hear short chainstays make a bike climb better. Is this true and if so why?

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . it's for the same reason drag racers make their cars with the driver and engine hung out over the rear wheels--to get the best possible traction and deliver power to the pavement.

BBDave

[Ozz]

shorter chain (1 link maybe?) - more response to pedal input
shorter stays = stiffer stays - stiffer = more efficient

I certainly know very little about what makes a bike "go", other than to turn the pedals, so this info is worth what you paid for it.

[davep]

I would think it would be mostly more traction, possibly stiffer and possibly lighter.

During the TdFL, on the last hill (short but steep) up to DBRK's house, during the rain, I stood up to apply power and my rear wheel spun out. It was OK sitting. Obviously, not enough weight on the rear wheel while standing. I was wondering of shorter chain stays would have helped.

[Ken Robb]

after my second espresso I need wheelie bars on the back of bike to keep me from smoking the rear tire all the way up Torrey Pines Grade.

[Kevan]

unicycles make for the fastest bikes.

It's the balance thing you have to overcome. :D