Something weird about Univega
10-30-07, 10:01 PM
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Something weird about Univega
I've noticed that Univega frame measurements always seem to come out "wrong."
Here's what I mean. If I measure my Gran Turismo, I get a 23" seat tube, which corresponds to a 58cm frame. However, it's a larger frame than my 23" Motobecane-- and in fact, the frame size stamped on the Univega's bottom bracket is 59cm. It's also visibly larger at the head tube. Where it becomes obviously larger is on standover height, with my Motobecane hitting 32.5", and my Univega hitting 33".
Now, that *could* be attributed to bottom bracket height (which I remember is high, although I don't remember how high), but even if the bottom bracket is high, that doesn't account for the fact that the frame measures 58cm, even though it's obviously a 59cm.
And it's not just my frame that is confusing. Every time I see a Univega for sale, the seller lists the bike as a smaller size than it obviously is (visually, and regarding standover height), which reinforces my suspicion that there's something "different" about Univega frame geometry.
Has anybody else noticed this? Does anybody have any thoughts on this phenomenon?
Here's what I mean. If I measure my Gran Turismo, I get a 23" seat tube, which corresponds to a 58cm frame. However, it's a larger frame than my 23" Motobecane-- and in fact, the frame size stamped on the Univega's bottom bracket is 59cm. It's also visibly larger at the head tube. Where it becomes obviously larger is on standover height, with my Motobecane hitting 32.5", and my Univega hitting 33".
Now, that *could* be attributed to bottom bracket height (which I remember is high, although I don't remember how high), but even if the bottom bracket is high, that doesn't account for the fact that the frame measures 58cm, even though it's obviously a 59cm.
And it's not just my frame that is confusing. Every time I see a Univega for sale, the seller lists the bike as a smaller size than it obviously is (visually, and regarding standover height), which reinforces my suspicion that there's something "different" about Univega frame geometry.
Has anybody else noticed this? Does anybody have any thoughts on this phenomenon?
10-31-07, 03:37 AM
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No personal experience of this, but measure the distance from floor to center of BB and compare to the Motobecane using the same wheels and tires... and same for the stand over height. Another factor may be the frame tube tube angles. Steeper angles of head and seat tubes can raise the top tube and increase standover height.
~ Interesting puzzle.
~ Interesting puzzle.
10-31-07, 07:11 AM
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+1. Wheel/tire size, bottom bracket height and frame and frame angles will all affect the standover height relative to the seat tube length.
A visibly larger head tube could be due to smaller wheel's/tires, shorter forks (i.e. less tire clearance or more compact crown) and/or a shorter top tube.
A visibly larger head tube could be due to smaller wheel's/tires, shorter forks (i.e. less tire clearance or more compact crown) and/or a shorter top tube.
10-31-07, 09:11 AM
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I have one Univega to compare to two Peugeots so I don't know what's odd and what's normal. All I know is that since the Univega has a much more lax seat tube angle than either of our Peugeots, the seat tube alone isn't really a good way to compare the sizes of the 3 bikes. In fact, I'm not sure there is a good way.
The Univega and one of the Peugeots both technically fit me, but they feel completely different while I'm sitting on them.
The Univega and one of the Peugeots both technically fit me, but they feel completely different while I'm sitting on them.
