Why the curved (as opposed to sloping) top tubes?
09-10-12, 08:37 AM
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Why the curved (as opposed to sloping) top tubes?
I've loticed a LOT of carbon frames with curved TTs. 
Frankly I figured it was a styling affectation and had spread across brands because everyone uses the same factory to make them.
Is there a mechanical reason to have a curved TT? Because it sure is uglier than a plumber's pimply buttcrack.
Inquiring minds and all....
Frankly I figured it was a styling affectation and had spread across brands because everyone uses the same factory to make them.
Is there a mechanical reason to have a curved TT? Because it sure is uglier than a plumber's pimply buttcrack.
Inquiring minds and all....
09-10-12, 08:54 AM
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09-10-12, 08:57 AM
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According to a few Specialized interviews from cycling news, it is a design to promote rider comfort and better fit for a wider range of riders. In reality, only Specialized knows and no one over there is really going to give you the reasoning behind the design other than what they want to tell you.
09-10-12, 09:06 AM
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I think it's mostly aesthetics, and branding.
However, that said, why should a top tube be striaght? With metal tubes, that's a logical default. However with a molded CF frame, you can shape the frame pretty much the way you want.
A curved top tube arguably could provide some "vertical compliance, while being laterally stiff." but agian I think its mostly marketing.
However, that said, why should a top tube be striaght? With metal tubes, that's a logical default. However with a molded CF frame, you can shape the frame pretty much the way you want.
A curved top tube arguably could provide some "vertical compliance, while being laterally stiff." but agian I think its mostly marketing.
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09-10-12, 09:07 AM
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Because everyone uses the same factory to make them isn't a reason. Factories make to customer requirements.
I assume its purely aesthetics. It looks better than straight, especially if everyone has straight. Just like cars look different from each other
I assume its purely aesthetics. It looks better than straight, especially if everyone has straight. Just like cars look different from each other
09-10-12, 09:08 AM
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09-10-12, 09:09 AM
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09-10-12, 09:11 AM
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09-10-12, 09:17 AM
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09-10-12, 09:19 AM
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09-10-12, 09:20 AM
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09-10-12, 10:16 AM
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I like women with curves. Can't i like a bike with curves too?
09-10-12, 10:28 AM
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09-10-12, 11:14 AM
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09-10-12, 12:17 PM
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I like the Wilier, but can't stand the "bejeweled" look in the Pina.
Curves on women doesn't necessarily effect how a woman performs(1 way or the other) either...
09-10-12, 01:02 PM
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09-10-12, 01:08 PM
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I'll vote Christina Hendricks, but I like my top tubes straight. What does this mean?
09-10-12, 01:15 PM
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09-10-12, 02:09 PM
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Curved top tubes may not have a mechanical advantage but there is that "sprung-bow-ready-to-release" look tha tmakes the bike "look" fast.
Straight top tubes don't have that same "spring" look or feel.
Straight top tube in my Colnago C59 sloping frame...not much of a slope.
Curved or bowed top tube in my Bianchi Infinito.
I like the straight top tube in the Colnago, but the curved top tube in the Bianchi also has certain appeal.
Straight top tubes don't have that same "spring" look or feel.
Straight top tube in my Colnago C59 sloping frame...not much of a slope.
Curved or bowed top tube in my Bianchi Infinito.
I like the straight top tube in the Colnago, but the curved top tube in the Bianchi also has certain appeal.
09-10-12, 02:16 PM
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How is that marketing?
Are all the facts debatable now? If you are short, the lower end of the top tube allows you to be able to stand over without hitting the top tube. How is that marketing?
The compact geometry has its real benefits... unlike the fugly curved top tube, especially done by Speicialized
Are all the facts debatable now? If you are short, the lower end of the top tube allows you to be able to stand over without hitting the top tube. How is that marketing?
The compact geometry has its real benefits... unlike the fugly curved top tube, especially done by Speicialized
09-10-12, 02:40 PM
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Giant was the first. Its all about riding position and comfort.