Originally Posted by
ericm979
The angle of the top tube has no bearing on the frame geometry, even though it's called "compact geometry". You only contact the bike via the pedals, seat, and bars. How those points are connected doesn't matter for bike fit, only style preference (and standover height, which is not an issuse for most road riders).
"relaxed geometry" means a taller head tube (allowing the bars to go higher) and sometimes a shorter top tube (allowing the bars to be closer to the rider)....
... A road bike is only faster than a hybrid because the position is more aerodynamic, i.e. the bars are lower. If you want that speed you're going to have to figure out how make it comfortable.
I agree with the statement about compact geometry being unrelated to frame geometry.
Relaxed geometry also can refer to slacker head tube and seat tube angles and longer chainstays and wheelbase which can result in slower steering and a smoother ride.
The rider's position on a road bike also allows for better transfer of muscle power to the pedals making the bike more responsive and faster.