Tom B wrote:

"As a general rule, they also have a wider range of fit than a traditional frame."

I was always under the impression that the complete opposite is true, that compact frames offer fewer fit options, as most manufacturers make fewer sizes as compared to the olden days with standard frames coming in many more sizes.

Everything I've ever read has stated that the frame makers make up for fewer frame sizes - the oft told quote is sizes in S, M, Lg and XL, by allowing for longer or shorter seat posts and stem lengths. Seat post length matters for nothing in terms of whether it's a long post with a short seat tube on a compact, or shorter post on a traditional frame, as long as the seat is at the right position.

Stem length is not as easy to get correct, as anything under 90 or over 120 or so, adversely affects the handling of the bike. Thus it's possible to NOT be able to get a good fit with so few frame sizes and trying to make up for it with an incorrect stem length. It's easier with a compact that comes in too few sizes, to find yourself between sizes, with no good options.

"This is one of the factors driving the broad adoptance of them."

Cart before the horse. What's driving acceptance is simply there are fewer and fewer standard geometry frames being made. No choice, no problem - I'll buy a compact.

"This wider range enables a manufacturer to make say 6 or 7 different sized frames instead of 8 or 9, saving manufacturing, warehousing, and even end-of-season clearance expenses (as you have fewer odd-sized frames to get rid of)."

Provided the manufacturer makes 6 or 7 sizes in compact. I don't know, as I don't follow the market the way I used too, but are the manufacturers now offering more sizes ?.

Here's a quicky sample of some compact manufacturers

Specialized Tarmac S-Works DA - 6 sizes.
Trek Madone 5.2 - 7 sizes
Giant TCR - 6 sizes
Fuji assorted road- 6 sizes
Cannondale assorted road- 8 sizes (nice choices)
Look 585 - 5 sizes

Some traditional sizes:

Waterford competition series - 11 sizes
Serrotta - all custom
Independent Fabrications - custom
Habenaro Ti. - 8 sizes
Surly Pacer - 9 sizes

One thing that came out, is it's the smaller companies that make traditional and many offer fewer sizes, eliminating the very small and very large sizes. Too bad.

So in general, most manufacturers have gone compact, not for any particular advantages to the consumer in terms of fit, but all to save money as well as to stay competitive. Seemingly the compact frames ARE now offered in more sizes then the oft lamented S,M,L, XL. That's a good thing.

Steve B.