Bike Forums - How much top tube slope is too much?

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- - How much top tube slope is too much? (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=1169874)

Quote:

beyond which it starts to look uncool?

the insecurity within in your peer group is strong?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoAlpha (Post 20872911)

It’s a stayer, isn’t it?

This is a stayer bike http://classiccycleus.com/home/wp-co...1/P1020559.jpg
It is made for motorpacing on a velodrome

http://www.oldvelos.com/wp-content/u...-Old-Photo.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJ80 (Post 20872541)

You top tube slope is fine and I really like the look. Great bike.

I prefer a sloping top tube and 5 degrees is just about perfect in my book. I have a custom frame that I had built and that was done with 5.4 degrees of slope.

But the real test is the ride. If that bike fits you perfectly - and it seems it does - and you enjoy the heck out of riding it, then it's right. Form follows function in my book - you've apparently nailed the function aspect; so there's your answer.

j

j.

Thank you! I think I've come to accept the slope on my bike, and I just love how great it rides!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbattle (Post 20872945)

when i'm riding my bike and i look down at the top tube, i cannot tell how much slope it has. And i'm usually looking down at it because i don't want to see how much further that 16% grade i've got to cover.

If you are really worried about it, get a 90's time trial bike and ride that.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fc597a270d.jpg

lol

I think an inch or so is ok. More than that it starts looking as a women specific model or some kind of gravel grinder/mtb. The less the better imo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuji_owner (Post 20870213)

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ec704eb231.jpg

I like more slope than that.

I'm not a big fan of sloping top tubes. They're in style, and even most of the parallel top tube holdouts such as Colnago have caved to pressure.

In general:

Sloping Top tube ==> Really tall seatpost & Really tall headtube.

But, I'm not sure if either is really desirable.

But, a lot of things have changed in cycling in the last 20 years or so.

Threadless stem, integrated headset, etc. This in effect gives a lower stack height for the stem (although there is a lot of adjustment). This effectively allows lowering the bars.
Much better brake hoods. And, more acceptable to ride on the hoods. Compact bars? This effectively raises the hand position on the bars.
Oversized Tubing, and Oversized Seatposts (stronger), and perhaps better quality machining of the seat tubes.

Anyway, get the head tube too tall, and I struggle with getting the bars in the right place.

And, I really don't see the need for 1' to 2' of seatpost sticking out.

I'm a total c&v guy so in my opinion, ANY slope in the top tube is too much.
Jon

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffordK (Post 20896106)

I'm not a big fan of sloping top tubes. They're in style, and even most of the parallel top tube holdouts such as Colnago have caved to pressure.

In general:

Sloping Top tube ==> Really tall seatpost & Really tall headtube.

But, I'm not sure if either is really desirable.

But, a lot of things have changed in cycling in the last 20 years or so.

Threadless stem, integrated headset, etc. This in effect gives a lower stack height for the stem (although there is a lot of adjustment). This effectively allows lowering the bars.
Much better brake hoods. And, more acceptable to ride on the hoods. Compact bars? This effectively raises the hand position on the bars.
Oversized Tubing, and Oversized Seatposts (stronger), and perhaps better quality machining of the seat tubes.

Anyway, get the head tube too tall, and I struggle with getting the bars in the right place.

And, I really don't see the need for 1' to 2' of seatpost sticking out.

According to the frame building who built a custom frame for me, sloping top tubes help reduce frame weight and add to frame stiffness. The longer seat post can help contribute to ride compliance with the proper seat post.

Also with the current trend in more upright position for gravel (and, I’m sure, due to an aging population), this then becomes what a “classic” bike frame is now.

Besides that, I think a gently sloping top tube looks pretty cool. ;)
J.

I like a lot of seatpost showing. Leaves room for a saddle bag and an extra water bottle position when needed.

"...starts to look uncool..."

Are you guys in jr high school?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ef06882720.jpg
I'm good with my Guru Sidero (steel) but much more than that turns me off. I've changed the stem and it's basically flat now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets (Post 20872836)

I'm pretty sure the ideal is a straight line from headtube to rear dropouts.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8e984a966d.jpg

Whoa! Radical!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by znomit (Post 20872896)

Could you sort out those mismatched spokes while you're at it?

Those Campy Zonda wheels come as a set buddy. Take it up with Campagnolo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teejaywhy (Post 20902638)

"...starts to look uncool..."

Are you guys in jr high school?

I thought that was a given, considering all the flashy competing kit and everything.

Anyway, guys, I took another picture just now, very carefully, sitting on the floor and making sure to be level with the bike. Here's the pic:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...de4b029bb7.jpg

So I think I am comfortable with the slope after all. It's not too much, and just enough to look modern.

Ignore the ripped up bar tape. I made the mistake of putting clear tape on the bar tape while packing it.