Compact or regular [Archive]

G-

12-09-2002, 10:19 PM

Compact or regular geometry frame. Ever since I saw the first Giant road bike I was in love. Those things are soooooooo damn sexy. I spent a lot of time looking at frames and bikes today and it seems almost all companies are coming out with a compact frame. I guess my next question is can I get away with a 1500 or lower road bike to help to train for MTbing?:confused:

Singlespeedster

12-10-2002, 05:47 AM

I'm a big fan of the compact frame. I think you can dial in the fit quite precisely, using seatpost height and stem length. I have a Giant TCR, and due to the shorter tube lengths, the frame is qute stiff laterally yet rides suprisingly comfortably.

1500 will get you a perfetctly acceptable road bike.

A

G-

12-10-2002, 08:15 PM

Thanks A. Others have stated that having to change the stem length does change the handling characteristics of the bike. I believe this to a degree with a MTB but does it hold the same for road bikes. Also Big Nasty stated he had a problem with shimmy at high speeds going down 2222. Could this be due to him riding a compact. If it excels in climbing it doesn't decend well. My own thought of logic. Any input?:confused:

G-

12-10-2002, 08:35 PM

Any reviews on this bike?

SWORKZ

12-11-2002, 01:35 PM

:D Compact geometry works great, I have one myself. There are only a few things with CG. Most companies except Specialized and a few others offer only 3 or 4 sizes that cause you to have to adjust stem length and seat positioning to get the perfect fit. Also if you're a tall person, the increased stiffness gained from the small frame can be lost by a long seatpost and stem that flex more than a regular frame would. If you can find the right CG bike for you, there should be no reason you wouldn't be satisfied.:D :D :D

speed

12-12-2002, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by G-
Any reviews on this bike? I am sure Charles will find you one. He has been thinking of branching to roadie gear.