Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - chainstay length - does it matter for comfort over the long haul?

Assuming you don't need panniers or a rack and heel strike isn't an issue at all, would riding a century or even a double on a bike with 40cm chainstays feel substantially different than on one with 44cm chainstays? If so, I'd love to hear some people go in depth about what changes and how you notice.

Thanks!

IME, yes. All other things being equal (which, of course, they never are), the bike with 40cm stays will feel snappier when accellerating or climbing (especially when standing up), have a rougher ride (mostly because the wheel is more directly under your butt), and have less benign manners when descending at high speeds. Conversely, the 44cm stay bike will tend to accellerate more, ahem, "deliberately", have a smoother ride, especially over big bumps, and descend like it's on rails. But ya gotta factor in things like 44cm stays ususally come with a more relaxed, stable geometry overall, not to mention cushy tires, etc. that make for better long-distance comfort.

BUT...For a century, it won't be that big a deal. It's when you get into the REALLY long rides that comfort and stability become big pluses.

SP

If so, I'd love to hear some people go in depth about what changes and how you notice.Are you kidding? Are we supposed to "imagine" the other frame specs?

Typically, longer chain stays would indicate frame-triangle geometry with more give and result in a more comfortable ride. But in "goofy question" land - this may not be the case.....

Chainstay length has a lot to do with weight distribution of a loaded bike. Some (CONI manual, Arnie Baker bike fitting books, Talbot on frame building) have a criterion of 45% on the front wheel and 55% on the rear. It could be there's a CS length that's right for you.

It suggests a concrete reason why tourers have long CS: with panniers in the rear, you want to move the rider (biggest lump o lead on the machine) forward to restore balance. Also a compensation would be needed for a large 'bar bag.

Road Fan (now Weight Fan)

thanks