I don't think there's anything to the debate other than aesthetics no matter what level you ride at. If you're getting dropped, i'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with compact vs traditional geo.

^one "could" argue that a sloping top tube (aka compact geometry) is a stiffer frame, resulting in possibly improved power transfer given the light materials used to build high performance frames....buuuuuuuut, i really dont think anyone on this board performs at a level where that would be of significance. agreed, its all about looks.

My OP wasn't concerned with the performance at all. I just sensed that there is a general negativity towards STT (Sloping Top Tube) fixies and just wondering why. I figured as much that it is for aesthetics but I was just wondering exactly what about Non-STT was more "beautiful" than the STT's.

Frames with extreme sloping top tubes, for example the execrable Langster, look like a large male quadruped in the act of sexual intercourse (see pic). I would rather ride something that looks like a bike. Hence i prefer frames with level or modestly sloping top tubes.

Well. This thread has gotten interesting.

I grew up on late 80s/early 90s MTBs, so that might have.. heavily influenced me, but there's something I love about how mean a sloping top tube can look.