In regards to the tiny down tube, I was referring to the diamond shape tubing and where the tubes are welded. It is a thick tubing vertically, but side to side it's not as durable. I wonder sometimes about carbon and aluminum tubing when it comes to side pressure and fatigue due to stress on such a thin side to side tubing. I understand the aerodynamic aspect of it, but durability after a wreck verses a steel frame.

I guess what I'm getting at is wrecks happen, and if I were to wreck on my steel frame I know I'll just dent a tubing, or break a wheel and spokes. Where as if I wreck on a super light aluminum or carbon frame that might be it for the frame. Now I don't plan on wrecking, and I'm very maneuverable, but it's just like commuting, I worry about the cars around me over my own mistaking actions; as goes for the other riders.

Straight bars are wicked. Top tube protectors do make sense in every aspect of bicycling towards every bicycle where handlebars have a chance to scratch and/or dent the tubing. Once again though, straight bars are wicked. Elastic membranes. Drawn out clichés into freeze-frame, a monkey display. Please, read into this paragraphs dissented misinterpretation.