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Can someone shead some light....

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Can someone shead some light....

Old 08-19-09, 12:22 AM
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Can someone shead some light....

OK, I’m rather new to this kind of bike and riding. I was looking for something to commute to work on that is lighter and more agile than my downhill free ride bike. A couple of weeks ago I found a ’78 Raleigh Super Grand Prix in fair condition and I have been scouring the LBS’s and the net looking for all the parts and pieces to turn it into a fixed or SS commuter.

I have spent countless hours cruising through forum after forum looking for ideas on wheels, crank, handle bars, brakes or not breaks, and whether or not to get a fancy new sleek seat, or a vintage broken in leather one.

I looking at all of the awesome bike pics posted here and elsewhere on the net to figure out just what I want to create, I noticed something on some of the bike pics, and I just can’t wrap my head around the concept. I can kinda see the point of the padding on the top tube of these bikes….I’m 65 inches tall and the frame on my bike is for someone slightly taller….









But what in the heck is the purpose of the little pad on the top tube of these bikes?







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Old 08-19-09, 12:26 AM
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prevents the handlebars from swinging around and denting the top tube. not sure why the veloce and raleigh have them though.
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Old 08-19-09, 07:21 AM
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They are pointless for a commuter, UNLESS you have to chain it up outside in strange places. I still think the padding should go elsewhere in that case, but you could at least make an argument.
Edit:
The padding is to protect your top tube from your handlebars. Couldn't remember if that was clear yet. The main point is for fashion. Folks who do tricks may like having something softer in that area too.

Last edited by vegipowrd; 08-19-09 at 07:25 AM.
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