Originally Posted by johnny99

For shorter guys (and that includes most Italian racers), the sloped top tube gives them more standover clearance, even with the long top tube bikes that racers prefer. Any differences in stiffness or handling (vs. standard geometry bikes) can be easily tweaked by varying tubing thickness. The main advantage of compact geometry is that it gives shorter riders more fit options. Some manufacturers are abusing this by offering fewer frame sizes, however.