Originally Posted by samsation7
Hello Everyone,
I'm planning to buy the Leader 2006 780TT frame from Leader USA to build up a road bike using full ultegra. I have a few questions. 1) Are there any disadvantages/cons in using a TT frame for normal road racing? 2)when I race, would using a TT frame for a road bike violate any rule or regulations? 3) can I use normal road components on a TT frame? or do I need to use special components for a certain parts (e.g. headset, crank, etc.)? I just need to know this ahead of time. 4) Would a, say 54 cm, TT frame be different from a 54cm road frame in regards to standover height and reach? Thank you for your replies.
For those who had built a road bike from a TT frame, what were your experiences?
thanks,
Samuel
Samuel,
TT frames tend to be heavier due to the frame material used. Also if you look at the specs for the the frame in question, it has a steep seat tube angle of 78 degrees and shorter proportionally top tube compared to road frames of the same size. Due to the forward geometry, unless you plan on primarily racing road TT's. I would stick with a road frame. due to the different handling characteristics.
I couldn't see any specifics in regards to seat angle in the UCI rules will impact the use of TT frames. Only concern may be the nose of the saddle must be 5cm behind the BB as already alluded to by fastbub.
http://www.uci.ch/imgArchive/Rules/1gene-E.pdf
Normal components should be fine. There are different variations between headsets, BB etc. But these are across frame brands rather than TT vs. road frames.