Now that my job/money life is approaching the light at the end of the tunnel, I am back on at looking for a good new commuter bike. I'm after roadsters, and I've got a question about the frame geometries.

My favorite is like this:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/...e378cfbd99.jpg

Flat up top. That "flat top" gives it the frame shape that looks classic and appealing. My road bike is like that, so I know it's good.

But then there's this type:
http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/E...mClassicGr.JPG

Where the top tube is sloped down. It's not a mixte or a stepthrough, so what is it? And why? Is it a matter of standover height? If so, why not just a smaller frame? My hybrid is like that.

Frame geometry is...mystery for now.

Thanks,

M.