Unusual Atala
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Unusual Atala
Almost certainly not classic and perhaps not old enough for vintage, but this seems the best subforum.
What is the purpose of the rear subframe? My guess is that it splits for transport, but then why have a chain tensioner?

For sale here, with more pictures: https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/a...tlc/1366971915
What is the purpose of the rear subframe? My guess is that it splits for transport, but then why have a chain tensioner?

For sale here, with more pictures: https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/a...tlc/1366971915
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That is interesting. Thanks for posting this. I would also guess that the purpose of the rear "triangle" bolting on is for more compact transport or shipping. However, that is a pure guess on my part. Does anyone know what is happening at the intersection of the seat tube and what we would call the seat stay? Is it connected in some way? Or is the structure relying on the two visible bolts?
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I'd guess rear suspension. There's a chain tensioner on the drive side that would not be necessary if the chain length were fixed, as in most IGH setups.
Last edited by thumpism; 02-25-20 at 08:11 AM.
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There's no quick release mechanism, so I assume the bolt-on rear triangle is to reduce the size/volume of the shipping carton. Shipping is getting expensive these days and most carriers are basing it on both size and weight, s carton size is a concern. With this design, you could reduce shipping volume by about 25%.
I'm assuming the chain tensioner is due to the short horizontal dropouts, which don't provide much leeway in chain tensioning and there would be a small amount of natural vertical flex in that rear triangle design that would compound the issue. The clamp on the seat tube may be a device to limit the travel and ensure it doesn't exceed the elastic limit of the steel.
I'm assuming the chain tensioner is due to the short horizontal dropouts, which don't provide much leeway in chain tensioning and there would be a small amount of natural vertical flex in that rear triangle design that would compound the issue. The clamp on the seat tube may be a device to limit the travel and ensure it doesn't exceed the elastic limit of the steel.
Last edited by T-Mar; 02-25-20 at 10:26 AM.