dolophonic

Compact frame vs. standard.
What are the pros of the compact frame? Some bikes have a slight and some are very compact(Giant etc) A little help pls. I did try the search function but didnt find much.
Thanks.

PWRDbyTRD

Compact frame? are you talking about like sub 20" wheel bikes or what...I myself am clueless on this.

PhattTyre

Compact frames take the standover height part of bike fit out of the picture. It means that you, the guy looking for the right bike fit, can choose a bike frame based on reach (the more important dimension) and not your inseam. This is especially good for people who have a long upper body and short legs. Some claim that compact frames are stiffer and lighter because the frame tubes are shorter, but I don't know if it would be enough to really notice. The nay-sayers to compact frames complain about the non-traditional look. They also say that the only reason bike companies make compact frames is to make fewer frame sizes. While some companies have reduced the amount of sizes available, many still offer frame sizes in the traditional 2cm increments.

Lance_Work

Quoting from Giant's website:
"Compact Road
When Giant introduced Compact Road in 1999, the impact was anything but small. Giant shortened the rear triangle and the seat tube and increased the slope of the top tube to produce a frame that's lighter, stiffer with improved handling and acceleration than conventional frames. Success leads to imitators; revered Italian frame makers and the big bike companies alike now follow Giants lead. Giant stays ahead with the new Composite Compact road."

Here's the link.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/050...50.600.000.asp

PWRDbyTRD

so that'd explain why I can stand over a 20" MTB with my inseam being below 33"

ZackJones

I've owned bikes with both types of frames and once you start actually riding you won't notice the difference between the two. Being old school I prefer a traditional frame over a compact frame. My wife rides a compact frame and likes having the sloping top tube.

LowCel 

I've ridden both and they both perform about the same. IMO as long as the angles are the same and the virtual top tube and other measurements are the same the bike will ride the same (not talking about different materials).

With that said when I had my frame built I went with a compact frame, I just like the way they look better. Before I had my current frame built I had a giant carbon compact frame and I loved the way it rode, I figured why go to a standard frame if I am that happy with a compact. Some people hate the way a compact frame looks. I believe that Lance Armstrong once stated that he would never ride a compact frame, except he referred to it as a girl's bike because of the sloping top tube. Unfortunately I can't remember where I read that, I believe it was either on here or rbr.

What is important is what do you like?