What is criterium geometry
 

My main road bike is a 89 Trek 400. I was visiting the vintage trek website and in the 89 sales brochure it says my bike has criterium geometry. What does that mean, whats it for? From some searches it sound like that might mean a shorter top tube to make it more responsive? How would it compare to compact geometry?

Thanks

Typically shorter wheelbase, more upright with steeper seat tube and steeper head tube for faster steering.

Compact geometry generally refers to a sloping toptube, as opposed to traditional, horizontal toptubes. I think criterium (v. say touring or century geometry) has more to do with the wheelbase and the angles of the seat and headtubes.

If you like it, you'll call it "responsive." If you don't, you'll call it "twitchy." :)

Thanks at this point with only a hundred or so miles on it since I got it on the road, I would call it twitchy or cramped. But maybe I'll get used to it.

Toss in higher bottom bracket height with the above comments.

:D :D

Oh, it'll feel cozy allright. After 25 years with a crit bike, I stretched it out with a setback seat post and longer stem reach. I've now also ordered a taller stem and 44cm Noodle bars. I have always liked the responsiveness, and it's been quite stable in terms of keeping a straight line with hands off the bars, but my creaky old neck is already starting to thank me.

Funny you should say that, I just pushed seat as far back as it would go and installed an adjustable stem that is longer and taller. Its felt a lot more comfortable since. I am still getting used to this bike and make adjustments. I mostly got this bike to ride for fitness, and when the trails are too snowy/muddy for my mountain bike and it will work for that. I am 50 and its certainly not as comfy as I remember my old Miata 25 years ago when I did numerous longer rides, but I figured that was more an issue of not being in shape than geometry.