Bicycle Mechanics - Sloping Top Tubes

What is up with these? What are the advantages, or disadvantages of having a sloping top tube over the traditional horizontal. Does it enable you to get a larger frame than you would normally ride in a traditional set-up? What's the scope?!?

Thanks,
velo

velo, from what I know, a sloping top tube allows for a little, and realy its only a little, more stand over height.
But it also allows for a smaller, (read stiffer) rear triangle, which make she bike handle a little quicker.
As well as making he top and down tubes a little more parrallel, which makes the front have a little more flex.

How much? Hey, as one of Kona's Engineers, Thats where I got the schpeel!

Cheers!

in most cases, the advantage is to the manufacturer.Less sizes to worry ablout. If you can get a good fit cool. Don't buy the barge loads about lighter and stiffer. Sometimes maybe,not always.Sometimes stiffer is not really a good thing either.

If you put a standard and a compact frame side by side, the top tube of the compact frame will be lower, but the headtube will be the same distance from the seat-tube on both.
If you put a larger compact frame alongside, it may have the same standover clearance as a medium standard frame, but it will be longer.

Length is a more critical dimension than height, because seat-posts give you plenty of adjustment, but replacement stems can only alter the length by a few cm at most.

The first compact frame, the Giant TCR was designed by Mike Burrows to be light and stiff and give a lot of adjustability, using replacement seatposts and stems, so the manufacturer could make it , and stores stock it in fewer sizes.

http://pedalmag.com/index.php?action=viewdetail&blockid=187

Originally posted by MichaelW
Length is a more critical dimension than height, because seat-posts give you plenty of adjustment, but replacement stems can only alter the length by a few cm at most.


Is there a difference between handling, or anything else, if you get a longer frame and shorter stem...or a shorter frame and a longer stem? Any advantages for either over the other?

The loger bike will have a longer wheel base. This will make the bike more stable and will handle speeds and bumps better but it will turn slower.
The shorter frame with a longer stem will give you quicker handling and will put more of your weight over the front tire which will also increase the quickness of the handling . It will also make the bike feel squirly at speeds.
Advantages and disadvantages, longer frame will be better on long rides and climbing hills. The shorter frame will perform better if you are riding through cayons because it will turn quicker. The shorter frame will also be lighter which would help your acceleration if you take off on a sprint.
Basically it will come down to personal preferance and how you want the bike to feel. Example, I ride a compact frame and find it more comfy even on long distances and do not mind how squirly it feels at speed. If the bike is set up properly for you it will work in all situations.
The only riders I now of that have differant frames are the ones who are serious racers and need the perfect set up so they can gain a few seconds.

Slainte :beer:

Also, if you are riding a mtb, the longer stem with more weight over the front tire will make it harder to climb because there will be less weight on the rear tire.

Slainte

I notice a huge difference in stand over height. This does translate into a more seated position. But it also protects my dangly bits when I screw up a drop or something. Of course this is speaking strictly from a mtb position. It also tends to shorten up the cockpit making for a more cramped riding style.

Personally I really prefer it over the traditional xc geometry.