Originally Posted by
prxmid
Maybe I'm overthinking it. Although he did specifically say he wanted to be more upright and was leang to a cross style/touring bike. I think he'll be happier with a road bike.
It there really much difference between 'relaxed' and racing. I'm coming from an older Trek Aluminum, now to a Carbon DA Synapse. I mostly ride the hoods as it is more comfortable, 10% in the drops.
But it is light and feels like a rocket ship to me. As you say, definately not racing, I, and I suspect my friend, normally do 20-50 mile rides at a moderate pace 13-14.5 avg. I guess many bike will do that, I just leading him to a road style vs a upright style that he seems interested in
Look, 13 to 14.5 mph is great recreational riding pace. The power is generated by the rider. One could ride in a more upright position and do 14 to 16 mph. However, as the speed goes up, aerodynamics comes into play and upright riding postures capture too much wind. The increased power to overcome wind drag is generated by the quads which start to pull on the knee cap blah blah blah.
Generally, it is the head tube length that changes the bar position. Racing geometry has shorter head tubes which allow the bar to be lower relative to the seat. The fork may have less rake which makes the steering faster and the frame and components better. The frames are stiffer and shorter.
In my work, I do a lot of sales. Sell the customer what he wants to buy. If your friend wants an upright position, fine. Go for it. If he finds it does not work, he will sell it and get another one.