Which builders build frames with shorter top tubes?
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Which builders build frames with shorter top tubes?
I want to buy a bike/frame with a long seat tube and comparatively shorter top tube. I am aware that each manufacturer has "stock" geometries that they use. Without getting custom, which bikes have a shorter top tube? Thanks. (And by the way, I googled the bjeezus out of this question and came up with nothing)
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Serotta comes to mind.
Most frames are pretty much the same when you take the seat tube angle into account - frames with short top tubes usually have steep seat tubes. A steep seat tube "effectively" lenghens the top tube by streaching the "reach" to the bars after you you shove the seat back to gain the proper position behind the bottom bracket. Never adjust reach by sliding the saddle forward. Position saddle relative to bottom bracket to afford the best spin, then adjust reach with stems (or a new frame with the proper reach).
Most frames are pretty much the same when you take the seat tube angle into account - frames with short top tubes usually have steep seat tubes. A steep seat tube "effectively" lenghens the top tube by streaching the "reach" to the bars after you you shove the seat back to gain the proper position behind the bottom bracket. Never adjust reach by sliding the saddle forward. Position saddle relative to bottom bracket to afford the best spin, then adjust reach with stems (or a new frame with the proper reach).
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I guess a 73 deg seat angle seems shallow to me for a racing bike, but is probably normal, as steeper seat angles in smaller sizes are normal in well designed frames. Still it has a short top tube.
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Check out R+E Cycles in Seattle. (rodcycle.com)
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I never expected such thoughtful responses. Thanks to the input here I have just purchased a bike that fits. Thank you all.
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If you were using a smaller wheel size, say 650C, you could shorten the top tube without making the seat tube angle sharper.