Bike porn

@Hugo - Big reps

Is it just me that wonders why framebuilders build compact road frames?

Look sooooooo much better with a more level top tube.

strongest and lightest innit? (less metal and smaller triangle).

Is it just me that wonders why framebuilders build compact road frames?

Look sooooooo much better with a more level top tube.

+1
hate compact geo.

Yeah fair one, looking at a new road bike on bike to work, thinking that the planet x carbon sl offers just about as gooda value as I'll get, but the compact geo puts me right off.

yeah - totally agree. Ugly. I would rather get a lower quality group and a bike that I can stand to look at instead.

My fixed wheel bike have an very compact geometry, however despite it's BMX tubing, it's reasonably light with oversized tubing and surprisingly stiff.

However I must says that I like the functionality of the compact geo, but like the appearance of a semi compact/normal road geo.

Look sooooooo much better with a more level top tube.

I agree about the aesthetics, horizontal top tubes seem to look nicer imho.
But I guess if you are serious about performance aesthetics mean nowt.
Obree's 'Old faithful' says it all.

Surprised by the anti-compact lobby. IMO it depends on the build.

Modern = compact
Classic = horizontal

^ both of those refer to the overall 'feel'. I'm not sure James bike would look right without slopping geo.

I'm not sure James bike would look right without slopping geo.

^that look amazing like that

yeah, horizontal top tubes ftw.

Low Bicycles

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lf88s10Bqu1qevsdho1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0RYTHV9YYQ4W5Q3HQMG2&Expires=1295654709&Signature=ZkmRJUsxm5O9hefC2LAhnnDAZRo%3D

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/assets_c/2011/01/LOW-03-PINP-7864.php

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/assets_c/2011/01/LOW-7861.php

^ still undecided on these. not a huge fan of the massive welds.

^being waiting for someone to take up the cdale track reissue thingie. I dont understand why aint china factories making these cheap cdale copies instead of ugly visps.

I'd prefer it if the Low downtube graphic was a little smaller. Needs unbranded forks.

Blah blah blah blah blah

Why exactly does 'classic' geometry look better? Like all aesthetics it's about association, in this case I suspect a borrowed nostalgia for the classic days of cycling (whichever they were). There is nothing about it, as far as I can tell, that is intrinsically more pleasing to the eye. And since when is it all about looking good anyway? It's a no holds barred artisan-made performance machine.

Compact = lighter + stiffer (just as Ed said)

When you choose those Dura Ace cranks you can't be going for aesthetics anyway.

I prefer the look of a compact frame. It's all personal preference.

I never see compact CX frames though.

thats an amazing bike non the less. nonetheless? one word, eh?

Bar angle look fine (no rules in having the drop section perfectly horizontal), but I agree on the saddle, especially when it set so far back.

Just put a longer stem on.

~The saddle is the first thing set when fitting so have to assume the saddle is correct. Maybe he has really long femurs or something?

Putting on a longer stem would just mean they couldn't reach the bars. Moving the saddle forward and using a longer stem could just make for an uncomfortable bike for that rider. Still it would look better though!

James's bike is awsome. But not so much with the horizontal tt. It makes the main triangle look far too big.

~The saddle is the first thing set when fitting so have to assume the saddle is correct. Maybe he has really long femurs or something?

Putting on a longer stem would just mean they couldn't reach the bars. Moving the saddle forward and using a longer stem could just make for an uncomfortable bike for that rider. Still it would look better though!

I bet if they pushed the saddle forward a cm or two. They'd just end up sitting on a more comfortable part of the saddle. With the body in the same position.

I do this all the time. Set bike up - ride and wonder if saddle is too narrow - push saddle forward 1-2 cm - bum automatically places itself on a wider part of the saddle. Sorted.

...... I do this all the time......

Sounds like you need to learn from experience :-)

Sounds like you need to learn from experience :-)

Short mans denial.

James's bike is awsome. But not so much with the horizontal tt. It makes the main triangle look far too big.

But if the seat stays joined at the collar would be goddam sexy. Even more than it is in compact.

As for dura ace crankset... reckon there is a shimano designer with a Passion for classic British motors ?