define a racing frame
05-19-08 | 11:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Wanderer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Way up in the mountains
define a racing frame
okay so im on the hunt for a new frameset and i was wondering what exactly defines a frame as a racing frame? in other words, what specific geometries or frame characteristics (aside from material and weight) should i be looking at? any help is appreciated.
05-19-08 | 01:05 PM
#3
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,809
Likes: 1,232
From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
stiff, light, quick handling.
As for Geometry, typically you're looking at bikes with short chain stays, short wheelbases,fairly steep seat and head tube angles.
You're also going to want the bike to set up in an aero position, so bikes with long head tubes that are intneded to setup for an upright position are the opposite of what you're looking for.
Of course there are mutiple ways to skin a cat, and lots of geometry is personal preference (for example Lemond always advocated a pretty laid back geometry.) so all the above is a pretty gross generalization.
As for Geometry, typically you're looking at bikes with short chain stays, short wheelbases,fairly steep seat and head tube angles.
You're also going to want the bike to set up in an aero position, so bikes with long head tubes that are intneded to setup for an upright position are the opposite of what you're looking for.
Of course there are mutiple ways to skin a cat, and lots of geometry is personal preference (for example Lemond always advocated a pretty laid back geometry.) so all the above is a pretty gross generalization.
05-19-08 | 01:05 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: A Coffin Called Earth. or Toronto, ON
Bikes: Bianchi, Miyata, Dahon, Rossin
stiff, short wheelbase and puts you in a very aero position.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
05-19-08 | 01:06 PM
#5
Aggressive geometry, or certainly feels that way when you get on the bike.
Have you got any frames in mind? It might be easier to do it that way rather than go through countless (subjective) characteristics.
Just a thought.
edit: the other guys beat me to it!
Have you got any frames in mind? It might be easier to do it that way rather than go through countless (subjective) characteristics.
Just a thought.
edit: the other guys beat me to it!
05-19-08 | 01:10 PM
#6
Making a kilometer blurry
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26,170
Likes: 93
From: Austin (near TX)
Bikes: rkwaki's porn collection
Any frame upon which you race. Mine is not super stiff, light, or particularly quick handling.
I didn't buy with intentions of racing though... if you're buying a new frame, these are important considerations if you intend to race it. It just doesn't make that big of a difference.
I didn't buy with intentions of racing though... if you're buying a new frame, these are important considerations if you intend to race it. It just doesn't make that big of a difference.
Last edited by waterrockets; 05-19-08 at 01:13 PM.
05-19-08 | 02:31 PM
#9
just tryin' to keep up
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Marin Portofino - Foco Steel built by Billato
Any frame upon which you race. Mine is not super stiff, light, or particularly quick handling.
I didn't buy with intentions of racing though... if you're buying a new frame, these are important considerations if you intend to race it. It just doesn't make that big of a difference.
I didn't buy with intentions of racing though... if you're buying a new frame, these are important considerations if you intend to race it. It just doesn't make that big of a difference.
05-19-08 | 09:23 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Wanderer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Way up in the mountains
right now im cruising around on a nashbar road frame (aluminum) and i had given a good guess that the longer headtube was not conducive for a good racing frame. i bought the frameset when i didnt know very much about road cycling and now id like to get a bit more specific with all of the fancy Campy parts i have for the frame. right now i am looking at the Le Champion frame and sticking an Ouzo Pro with it. I am fairly certain i cant afford a full carbon fiber frame. sidenote-- i did just enter a sweepstakes for a Look 555...
05-19-08 | 09:25 PM
#11
Knowing's half the battle
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9 BB30, SRAM Red, Fulcrum Racing 3s
Any frame upon which you race. Mine is not super stiff, light, or particularly quick handling.
I didn't buy with intentions of racing though... if you're buying a new frame, these are important considerations if you intend to race it. It just doesn't make that big of a difference.
I didn't buy with intentions of racing though... if you're buying a new frame, these are important considerations if you intend to race it. It just doesn't make that big of a difference.
05-21-08 | 01:39 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 0
From: fogtown...san francisco
Bikes: Ron Cooper, Time VXSR, rock lobster, rock lobster, serotta, ritchey, kestrel, paramount
so many bikes, so little time...there are some that think the way to go is to get the latest tech from large manufacturers and then there are those that think the way to go is small custom builders.
check out qbike.com there is a bike buying guide. good luck.
check out qbike.com there is a bike buying guide. good luck.
