Me being a good 6'5", I never would have considered a compact frame before..but.....
half a year ago, dealing with a Ti frame builder (singlespeed/mtn. bike) I had the opportunity to jump into the world of compacts, in order to make a BIG titanium frame strong but not too flexy.
I'm now absolutely sold on the concept! Bought a Giant TCR-1 last month, and I just love that frame! Stiff/light/compliant and efficient come to mind. I've owned numerous "standard/traditional" road frames in the past, and this Giant frame just blows 'em outa the water....the "large" TCR frame is 58cm C-C with a 60cm (!!!) toptube, almost too long for me!
I've done a coupla rides of ~100 miles, and the bike just feels GOOD!
Don't think I could go back to traditional geometry....maybe another nice steel frame someday...but aluminium or carpet fiber, and it's compact for me!!
Just my $.02.
Mateo
Originally Posted by jsxr
If you've had the opportunity to compare the new compact frame geometry to the more traditional geometry, what are your observations (pros/cons)?