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• #27
The stock (off the peg) BJ vigorellis are really grass track geometry, which equates to approx 73 degree HT and 74/75 ST with clearance for 28mm tyres. That means that they're a bit more smooth and comfortable than a typical track geometry (e.g 75HT, 75ST, clearance for 23s).
I've got a BJ vigorelli and it's a nice bike for riding in comfort, although I raced it in a few alleycats and on the track and it's fine there too. I've taken mine touring, including some off road stuff too so it's definitely sturdy. You can get them fitted with mudguard eyes if you want to go down a practical bike route. I kinda wish that I'd got the MG eyes now that I've got a true track frame to bomb around on.
All Mercians are made with custom geo so most of the track frames they make are probably a bit tighter. I think BJ frames are damn good for the money and they come with good paint jobs too.
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• #28
+1
if you want something 'compact' get a langster.
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• #29
'compact geometry' does NOT inherently mean 'tight' or 'track' geometry
as momentum said, standard track geometry tends to be about 75/75
i couldn't find anything on the BJ site about the geometry of an off-the-pegs vigorelli, but let's assume momentum is right and it's about a 73/74.5 - this is something you'll find with a lot of mass-market track frames (i've yet to find a cheap, mass produced frame with true track geometry)
often times when manufacturers mention bikes being 'compact' they're usually dealing with 'virtual' or 'projected' measurements due to sloping top tubes and things like that. the langster is a prime example of this. it's 'compact' but BY NO MEANS 'tight' or close to track geometry. from the specialized site: 56cm langster uses 73.25ST and 73HT angles. -
• #30
i guess that's the point i was trying too make in an obtuse, reductive way.
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• #31
kilgore_trout
i couldn't find anything on the BJ site about the geometry of an off-the-pegs vigorelli, but let's assume momentum is right and it's about a 73/74.5I assume that I'm right :)
The front end is defintiely slacker in the HT and with more rake than a track bike. More like classic road geo. The seat tube is a bit steeper and the BB is quite high (forgot that earlier). However the chainstays are long enough to fit 28s with a bit of space so, in combination with the front end, it means that the wheelbase is slightly longer than a track bike. Plus it has a set of water bottle bosses so you don;t need to be a camel on a long ride. Here are photos of my two bikes for comparison (yes I'm tall):
BJ Vigorelli (with 25mm tyres) = slightly relaxed
Eddy Merckx track = tight and steep
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• #32
Hey Conan
I recently upgraded from a Bianchi Pista to a Bob Jackson Vigorelli, and am loving it. The geometry is slightly looser on the BJ, but this translates to a smoother ride, and believe me, she rides beautifully, smooth, secure and responsively. I had a bit of a sprint yesterday, and think the responsiveness of the 631 tubing more than makes up for the slightly looser angles. I've not ridden a Mercian so can't comment comparatively on their finish, but the finish and feel of this frame is top notch.
Thom
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• #33
I'm planning on replacing my battered Claud Butler road frame with something a little classier. Should I hold out for a vintage track / path number or go for the Bob Jackson? I'll be using it mostly on my 25m round trip commute.
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