Originally Posted by
alcjphil
Standover height always was a crude way to measure frame size even before the advent of compact frames.
I won't argue that, but a simple tape measure would quickly reveal both the standover height AND the top tube length. Not quite so simple with a compact...
Originally Posted by
alcjphil
...There is nothing wrong with a sloped top tube, it can help riders with short legs and long torsos fit on a bike. It just means that you have to do a bit more research when you look for a bike
I will argue this. Since manufacturers measure differently, there is no way to "do a bit more research." It's like comparing apples to toilets! The manufacturers specs are random numbers with no relationship to anything outside of that individual manufacturer's specs. Yes, IF one can visit dealers and try the bikes in person, a fit is possible, but when buying over the internet (as so many do these days), the potential to end up with some misfit that you never anticipated is HUGE. Even if you do ride the bike before buying it, assuming that you can change a few bits to make it fit "right" after the sale is no sure thing with compact frames. To add sewage to the pot, the advent of "compact rear triangles" adds even more unexpected changes to the steering...