Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Seat and Head Angle Differences

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View Full Version : Seat and Head Angle Differences


Lozinski
07-18-09, 10:45 PM
Hey, I was wondering what the difference was when a head angle is either 72.5 (Wabi Lightning) or 74.3 (Pake Track)
and for the seat tube andle of 73.5 (Wabi Lightning) or 75.3 (Pake Track).

What effect does it have on the feel of the bike?

At first I thought a degree or two wasn't that big of a deal but the Leader Suggestion topic raised suspicions on the importance of this issue.

Thanks a bunch!

Oh and just for reference:
Pake (or soma track... same thing): http://pakebikes.com/picture2.html
Wabi Cycles Lightning : http://www.wabicycles.com/lightning_bike_spec_orng.html


TejanoTrackie
07-19-09, 03:00 PM
A steeper head tube angle will make for quicker steering, but will make a bike feel more twitchy and the ride harsher. It is preferred for track competition, especially sprinting, where you need to maneuver quickly. A steeper seat tube angle will position the rider more forward on the bike with more weight on the front wheel and also more in front of the cranks. This permits a faster cadence (spin) on a fixed gear, as it puts the rider into a sprinting position. Head and seat tube angles on road bikes tend to be less than track bikes, however, track bikes designed primarily for road ss/fg duty normally have road type geometry. Banked track (velodromes) have smooth surfaces, so the ride is not harsh on a track bike with steep frame tube angles, however, it can be very noticeable on the road. Also affecting ride and handling are fork rake and wheelbase. The Pake appears to have less fork rake than the Wabi, which will give it quicker steering at the expense of a harsher and twitchier ride. So, if performance is more important to you, go with the Pake, and if comfort and control are more important, go with the Wabi.

Personally, being an experienced track racer, I'd go with the Pake, which wins hands down on looks.