Originally Posted by
cyccommute
In the case of the Autobike, the frame is made that way so that they can fit the maximum number of height ranges to a minimum number of frame sizes.
The Cannondale, on the other hand, has the shock in the headset and needs a certain length to contain the internal parts of the shock. For smaller frames, they couldn't just run a straight tube and still have a bike that anyone under about 6' can stand over. Cannondale's Headshock is a somewhat good idea...having only one slider moving makes for a stiffer fork...but it has severe limitations in application.
Autobikes are very rare here in Finland, that's why it caught my eye. First one I've ever seen. For sale on Tori.fi selling site and looking to be in good condition with the exception of the paint on tt and st. Of course exceptional frame geometries are seen some time to time (like Mercedes Benz etc.).