Road Cycling - Seat height of TdF riders. Am I missing s/thing?

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leconkie
07-11-04, 07:45 PM
Hi guys,
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm amazed at how far out the frames everyone's seatpost is this year. Is it much higher than last year or have I just forgotten? The only bike race I follow is The Tour and I'm certainly not knowledgable in this area. It looks like they're all riding kiddie bikes. I wouldn't even think about buying a bike this small in relation to me; so what am I missing please?

55/Rad
07-11-04, 07:53 PM
There are a lot more guys riding frames with sloping top tubes - compact and semi-compact geometry. This results in more exposed seatpost.

55/Rad
ewitz
07-12-04, 08:15 AM
Smaller frame = shorter tubes = stiffer bike. Also the longer exposed seatpost affords the rider comfort from the greater flex.

This is not new this year they have had large exposed lengths of seattube as long as I can recall.

redfooj
07-12-04, 11:22 AM
stiffer bike and lighter weight
Murrays
07-12-04, 11:55 AM
Smaller frame = shorter tubes = stiffer bike. Also the longer exposed seatpost affords the rider comfort from the greater flex.

Aren't those two statements contradictory :D

I remember reading that yes, a compact geometry frame is stiffer, but the flex in the seat post negated that stiffness for the 95% of the time you're seated. Basically, the compact frame isn’t that big of an advantage.

-murray
Dahon.Steve
07-12-04, 12:36 PM
Aren't those two statements contradictory :D

I remember reading that yes, a compact geometry frame is stiffer, but the flex in the seat post negated that stiffness for the 95% of the time you're seated. Basically, the compact frame isn’t that big of an advantage.

-murray

And the heavier seatpost practically negated any weight savings.
1inamil600
07-12-04, 04:04 PM
stiffer bike and lighter weight

right
Phatman
07-12-04, 06:19 PM
also, somthing that no one has mentioned is that with a smaller frame, their handlebars can be lower in relation to their saddle, which means a more aerodynamic position. petacci (sp?) has a 54cm non-sloping bike with a 58.5 cm top tube and a 140mm stem. just to name an extreme...
RacerX
07-12-04, 06:44 PM
Yes, you simply can't get the drop you need sometimes. Phatman is correct.
Going stock sizes, you simply compensate the smaller frame with a longer stem and longer seatpost, but it gives you the correct position.

Many riders have custom sized frames too.