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Old 05-09-06 | 11:52 AM
  #27  
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FarHorizon
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Directly above the center of the earth

Bikes: Varies by day

Originally Posted by Bikes-N-Drums
Note the uppermost tube is parallel to the ground with standard road bikes:



Note the uppermost tube on this frame is pointing downwards ("relaxed"):

Hi again, Bikes-N-Drums - I believe you've confused "compact geometry" with "relaxed geometry." The angle (or not) of the top tube does not make a bike "relaxed." Compact geometry, defined by the sloping top tube, allows the manufacturer to provide the best top-tube length for a customer regardless (mostly) of stand-over height. Relaxed geometry, on the other hand refers to the angle of the seat and steering tubes to the vertical. Traditional "relaxed" geometry meant seat and head tube angles of no steeper than 72 degrees. Manufacturers, today, often use the term to refer to seat and head tube angles of up to 74 degrees!

In general, "relaxed" is what the manufacturer chooses to call it.
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