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Why the curved (as opposed to sloping) top tubes?

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Why the curved (as opposed to sloping) top tubes?

Old 09-10-12, 08:37 AM
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Why the curved (as opposed to sloping) top tubes?

I've loticed a LOT of carbon frames with curved TTs.

Frankly I figured it was a styling affectation and had spread across brands because everyone uses the same factory to make them.

Is there a mechanical reason to have a curved TT? Because it sure is uglier than a plumber's pimply buttcrack.

Inquiring minds and all....
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Old 09-10-12, 08:53 AM
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'Cause it looks dope.
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Old 09-10-12, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon
Is there a mechanical reason to have a curved TT? Because it sure is uglier than a plumber's pimply buttcrack.
No. Just like there's no mechanical reason to have a sloping top tube. Somebody let the marketing department call the shots is all.
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Old 09-10-12, 08:55 AM
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I like it (the TT, not the BC)
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Old 09-10-12, 08:57 AM
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According to a few Specialized interviews from cycling news, it is a design to promote rider comfort and better fit for a wider range of riders. In reality, only Specialized knows and no one over there is really going to give you the reasoning behind the design other than what they want to tell you.
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Old 09-10-12, 09:06 AM
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I think it's mostly aesthetics, and branding.



However, that said, why should a top tube be striaght? With metal tubes, that's a logical default. However with a molded CF frame, you can shape the frame pretty much the way you want.

A curved top tube arguably could provide some "vertical compliance, while being laterally stiff." but agian I think its mostly marketing.
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Old 09-10-12, 09:07 AM
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Because everyone uses the same factory to make them isn't a reason. Factories make to customer requirements.

I assume its purely aesthetics. It looks better than straight, especially if everyone has straight. Just like cars look different from each other
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Old 09-10-12, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
No. Just like there's no mechanical reason to have a sloping top tube. Somebody let the marketing department call the shots is all.
Sloping TT sure helps achieve a manageable standover for short leg/long torso people like me.
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Old 09-10-12, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
Sloping TT sure helps achieve a manageable standover for short leg/long torso people like me.
So says the marketing department, anyway...
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Old 09-10-12, 09:11 AM
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Jeebus these are ugly bling infested monstrocities.
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Old 09-10-12, 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
So says the marketing department, anyway...
So says my unscathed gonads.
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Old 09-10-12, 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon
[img]

Jeebus these are ugly bling infested monstrocities.
I get the feeling you can't afford a nice new bike like these......
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Old 09-10-12, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by manutd
I get the feeling you can't afford a nice new bike like these......
They're not my cup of tea, either, but I find the just-as-expensive Times to be gorgeous.
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Old 09-10-12, 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by manutd
I get the feeling you can't afford a nice new bike like these......
Correct sir! ...but I still think the Pinarello looks like Salvadore Dali designed it....or H. Bosch....
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Old 09-10-12, 10:16 AM
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I like women with curves. Can't i like a bike with curves too?
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Old 09-10-12, 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by pdedes
I like women with curves. Can't i like a bike with curves too?
That explains it COMPLETELY!!! My tastes tend more toward Jessica Ennis rather than Christina Hendricks...
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Old 09-10-12, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon
That explains it COMPLETELY!!! My tastes tend more toward Jessica Ennis rather than Christina Hendricks...




No accounting for taste.
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Old 09-10-12, 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by StanSeven
Because everyone uses the same factory to make them isn't a reason. Factories make to customer requirements.

I assume its purely aesthetics. It looks better than straight, especially if everyone has straight. Just like cars look different from each other
The only bike that comes to mind that still has a straight TT is a C-Dale.


Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon



Jeebus these are ugly bling infested monstrocities.
I like the Wilier, but can't stand the "bejeweled" look in the Pina.

Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon
That explains it COMPLETELY!!! My tastes tend more toward Jessica Ennis rather than Christina Hendricks...
I'll take both!
Curves on women doesn't necessarily effect how a woman performs(1 way or the other) either...
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Old 09-10-12, 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Ghost Ryder
The only bike that comes to mind that still has a straight TT is a C-Dale.
Scott, Trek Madone, Colnago, BH, Focus, Fondriest, GT, Blue, Giant,
litespeed, IF, Calfee, BMC
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Old 09-10-12, 01:08 PM
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I'll vote Christina Hendricks, but I like my top tubes straight. What does this mean?
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Old 09-10-12, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by StanSeven
Scott, Trek Madone, Colnago, BH, Focus, Fondriest, GT, Blue, Giant,
litespeed, IF, Calfee, BMC
was just about to post that....
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Old 09-10-12, 02:09 PM
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Curved top tubes may not have a mechanical advantage but there is that "sprung-bow-ready-to-release" look tha tmakes the bike "look" fast.

Straight top tubes don't have that same "spring" look or feel.




Straight top tube in my Colnago C59 sloping frame...not much of a slope.




Curved or bowed top tube in my Bianchi Infinito.

I like the straight top tube in the Colnago, but the curved top tube in the Bianchi also has certain appeal.

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Old 09-10-12, 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by manutd
'Cause it looks dope.
Nope, it don't
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Old 09-10-12, 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
So says the marketing department, anyway...
How is that marketing?

Are all the facts debatable now? If you are short, the lower end of the top tube allows you to be able to stand over without hitting the top tube. How is that marketing?

The compact geometry has its real benefits... unlike the fugly curved top tube, especially done by Speicialized
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Old 09-10-12, 02:40 PM
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Giant was the first. Its all about riding position and comfort.
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