Originally Posted by
repechage
the magic was all in that lower horizontal tube near the bottom bracket
Is this the key to providing lateral stiffness and vertical compliance?
Certainly, it's not as if someone can prove otherwise!
to be honest, when I saw that little horizontal tube, I assumed it was to make it easier to carry the bike up to a second story flat.
Personally, I'm a fan of this weird bit of British history and the side effects. I've got a Hetchins with "vibrant" stays (i.e. curly chain and seat stays). While I don't detect any extra flex, they do look kinda cool, and are great conversation starters. Oddly, Colnago has been prone to use weird frame design features, and they always struck me as gimmicky. I suppose I give the British brands more leeway because their claims to improved performance were made a long time ago?
Steve in Peoria