Marketing...maybe.
I do like the concept of a smaller front triangle, tho!
I would normally ride a 63/64 cm seattube frame, yet wit Giants compact geometry, I ride a 58. Aside from appearance, there is definitely some good to be had with a stiffer/lighter front triangle on ANY bicycle!!
Other than someone not caring for the appearance, what negatives can be said concerning a tighter frame??
Originally Posted by cycletourist
compact frames are mostly about marketing. Bike companies are trying to sell road bikes to people who are used to the sloping tubes on mountain bikes.