the great frame stiffness debate: is it really needed?
05-15-07, 10:58 PM
#1
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the great frame stiffness debate: is it really needed?
It seems like everytime there is a discussion on what frames are the stiffest, there is agreement between most that certain frames stand out above and beyond the rest. On the other hand, it is interesting to me that there are some who have made the claim that although having a stiff frame is a nice feel, there is no evidence that it translates to better performance of the bike. Using conventional wisdom I find that hard to believe. I have given it a lot of thought but I really cannot see how a frame that is flexy can be as efficient as one that is super stiff. I would like to see some good intelligent discussion on the topic so I figured I would start it out. Searches revealed little answers to my questions and I have yet to find a true study on the subject (not sure one exists).
~Nick
~Nick
05-15-07, 11:21 PM
#2
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I have a stiff steel frame and it rocks.
Its the wet spaghetti back wheel thats pissing me off right now.
Its the wet spaghetti back wheel thats pissing me off right now.
05-15-07, 11:28 PM
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Part of the contention comes from the fact that it is difficult to isolate the source of the flex within the total bike packages... making the flex/stiff discussion largely irrelevant unless proper controls are in place.
Case in point is Post #2.
Case in point is Post #2.
05-16-07, 04:36 AM
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IMHO, how stiff a frame you ought to have depends on a number of factors:
1) What you're mostly going to do with it (race, long rides, hillclimbs, etc.)
2) Your body size and type (heavily muscled sprinter, slightly built climber, etc.)
3) Your riding style (masher, finesse spinner, etc.)
Obviously a very powerful rider with a fair amount of body mass who races a lot is going to need a stiffer frame. The GENERAL downsides of a very stiff frame, however, are:
a) comfort on long rides or rough roads
b) heavier
c) more expensive (for full-race, flagship models)
So someone who doesn't necessarily NEED a very stiff frame might not necessarily be better off with one. I had to make this decision on a new frame I just ordered. I have a semi-sponsorship and had to decide whether our full-race, flagship frame (very stiff!) would be best for me, or our second-from-the-top, which is also an awesome full-carbon frame, but not as stiff. At 130 lbs., and more of a finesse rider than a power masher, I opted for the second-from-the-top.
Cheers! - RJ
1) What you're mostly going to do with it (race, long rides, hillclimbs, etc.)
2) Your body size and type (heavily muscled sprinter, slightly built climber, etc.)
3) Your riding style (masher, finesse spinner, etc.)
Obviously a very powerful rider with a fair amount of body mass who races a lot is going to need a stiffer frame. The GENERAL downsides of a very stiff frame, however, are:
a) comfort on long rides or rough roads
b) heavier
c) more expensive (for full-race, flagship models)
So someone who doesn't necessarily NEED a very stiff frame might not necessarily be better off with one. I had to make this decision on a new frame I just ordered. I have a semi-sponsorship and had to decide whether our full-race, flagship frame (very stiff!) would be best for me, or our second-from-the-top, which is also an awesome full-carbon frame, but not as stiff. At 130 lbs., and more of a finesse rider than a power masher, I opted for the second-from-the-top.
Cheers! - RJ
05-16-07, 05:19 AM
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Mmm. Spaghetti.
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ElJamoquio didn't hate the world, per se; he was just constantly disappointed by humanity.
05-16-07, 06:13 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by dekindy
No, the debate is absolutely not needed! 
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"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
05-16-07, 06:18 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by ccrnnr9
It seems like everytime there is a discussion on what frames are the stiffest, there is agreement between most that certain frames stand out above and beyond the rest. On the other hand, it is interesting to me that there are some who have made the claim that although having a stiff frame is a nice feel, there is no evidence that it translates to better performance of the bike. Using conventional wisdom I find that hard to believe. I have given it a lot of thought but I really cannot see how a frame that is flexy can be as efficient as one that is super stiff. I would like to see some good intelligent discussion on the topic so I figured I would start it out. Searches revealed little answers to my questions and I have yet to find a true study on the subject (not sure one exists).
~Nick
~Nick
