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Old 08-22-07 | 12:13 PM
  #8  
CharlesC
Old biker
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 252
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From: Radium Springs, NM

Bikes: Custom Cammack touring road and 1987 Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo

Originally Posted by Longfemur
It makes no difference whatsoever, except to the extent that you run out of adjustment room for the saddle fore-and-aft. For example, if the seat tube angle is very steep, you might not be able to put the saddle back far enough for *you* and your riding style (because you run out of room on the saddle rail), or vice versa. Other than that, a few degrees more or less makes no difference at all. You don't sit on the seat tube, you sit on the saddle.
I would tend to politely disagree. As little as 1/8" in saddle position can make a difference in the "feel" of the bike. 1 degree doesn't sound like much but I assure you that an experienced rider can tell the difference. A change in a degree or two make a considerable distance difference at the top tube. Most armchair frame designers want more upright seat and head tube angles than is optimum for an excellent feel to the bikes ride and comfort. When I built frames in the '70's (yes I know that was in the dark ages) people would be amazed at the ride my bikes gave. Usually it was "Wow! I've never ridden a bike that felt this good." Aside from pumping up my ego it was a confirmation of the angles I used. When in doubt about what a rider really wanted I would go for 72 degrees for both head and seat tubes. For aggressive wannabe racers I would bump that up to 73 degrees for a more reactive frame. 74 to 75 degree frames were just plain punishing to ride for any distance, racing or not. Just for reference I'm talking about hi-temp silver brazed lugged bouble butted Reynolds 531 frames.
Anyhoo, that's my opinion. Take if for what it's worth.
And don't get me started on the straight tube front forks that are the current fad.
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