Road Cycling - Compact Geometry?

I am going to buy a new road bike in the next couple of months. In my research I have seen numerous nice bikes, such as the Allez and the Litespeed Aluminum bikes that have compact geometry. I am 6'3" and am a little sceptical. When I look at a shop that carries Treks or Cannondales and I get a very specific fit I have to wonder about bikes that fit a wider range of riders. I understand the weight advantages of the compact frame, but is the real reason companies choose this geometry over traditional is so they don't have to produce so many frame sizes? Perhaps compact geometry is the greatest thing since sliced bread, I don't know. What do those of you riding compact frames think?

I dont know much about the fit diffrences of the two geometries, but i can say that I'm 6'2" and i reide a 61cm allez, so i know bikes will fit you. I also have never ridden a standard frame, so i cant tell you about the ride. good luck on your search.

-Ross

I think the compact geometry might have more meaning for shorter people. I'm 5'5" and I have two bikes that are standard straight top tube bikes and one that has a custom frame that has a slight 5% slope. Shorter people will benefit from more standover clearence with a sloping top tube. Some people/mfgrs claim a stiffer bike but I think the important thing is the effective top tube length and/or the "cockpit" length rather than the TT length. the effective top tube length should incorporate the STA and the HTA also.

Jay

there is a difference between compact geometry ( Giant) and sloping geometry (allez)

compact has shorter top tube and seat tube for each size S,M,L
sloping has only shorter seat tube as size varies (to a point of course) but sometimes shares similar tuop tube with other sizes.

Yeah, look for effective or virtual top tube measurements. I'm getting an Orbea that has a slightly sloping top tube, but it's effective top tube is only about a 5mm shorter than the Cannondale I'm on now.

I'm still skeptical of the compact, really sloping designs for taller riders. I like the way some, like Orbea, have many sizes even with a sloping design. While the seat tube of the new ride measures out to a 58, the other dimensions are pretty much what I want.

Originally posted by Jay H
I think the compact geometry might have more meaning for shorter people. I'm 5'5" and I have two bikes that are standard straight top tube bikes and one that has a custom frame that has a slight 5% slope. Shorter people will benefit from more standover clearence with a sloping top tube.
Jay

I agree... I am 5'6" and i also ride a standard geometry frame with a little slope, custom built also...

The slope is actually there because of limiting factors..
The Toptube cannot be lowered as a whole horizontally because it would make the Headtube too short.. Which will cause premature Headset failure/replacements/servicing.. The only resort is to lower it[standover] is by shortening the seat tube... Thus, sloping..

...Or to use 650c wheels.

But frames with sloping TTs are different from compact frames... Compact frames have more slope, IMO..
;)