One thing to add to dmonster's reply. Non-aero brake levers (where the cable comes out the top of the lever) are not very comfortable to ride in for long periods. Thus, riders before the 80's had essentially two comfortable hand positions, the bar tops, or the drops (there is a third, the ramps, but that largely depends on the handlebar model). If the handlebars are set too low in relation to the saddle, riding in the drops is uncomfortable for long periods. Most of the riding was done in the drops, so the handlebars could not be set very low. Thus the larger frame size, which enabled the handlebars to be higher in relation to the saddle. It is strange to think, but many riders before the 80's could not straddle their top tube with flat feet!
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