A compact frame is lighter than a traditional frame, due to the differences in their geometry, but a compact frame’s weight is offset by the necessity for a longer seat post and steerer tube. Smoother is indeed faster. It is backed up with companies lifetime frame and fork warranty that is a huge advantage with the bike. Compact Frame Traditional "road" frames have been built with level top tubes since the early 1900s. They feature a sloping top tube with its higher end attached to the front tube. The latest road bike from Specialized is just that: a road bike. Traditional geometry road frames are often associated with more comfort and greater stability, and tend to have a longer wheelbase which contributes to these two aspects. Wednesday Night Bike Rides: Proper Bicycle Fit. The bars that come specced on a new bike are an estimate based upon the average shoulder width of the average person riding a bike in your size.As most cyclists will protest – none of us are truly average, so tailoring the bars to suit you is a good idea. Wheelbase. compact vs traditional frames. 1. A compact frame means a shorter seat tube and head tube and a steerer tube which is relatively long compared to the head tube. Traditional-style bike frames are sized in centimeters based on the length of the top tube. But that was the part of the game plan – to teach you how to maintain balance in fear of falling down. Ezroadbike.com is my personal blog where I share my pedaling experience. I am in the process of deciding between two bikes, an '05 Specialized Allez Comp and an '06 Trek 2200. Compact Frame Geometry. No matter you are a new cyclist or skillful one, I believe that you could find useful topics in my site. A compact frame is lighter than a traditional frame, due to the differences in their geometry, but a compact frame’s weight is offset by the necessity for a longer seat post and steerer tube. Traditional Geometry. My issue is choosing the frame size - I seem to be in-between two sizes. This content is provided 'as is' and is subject to change or removal at any time. Compact Gearing Compact gearing were adopted to offer cyclists a lower gear selection to make it easier to climb hills without affect the top speed. Traditional road bike frames have a top tube running parallel to the road surface. Cycling has many benefits, such as improving mood, burning calories and preventing chronic illnesses. Traditional frames have a top tube that runs parallel to the ground, a style of construction that has remained popular since the early 1900s. The main difference for consumers between the two styles is the way manufacturers size the frames. No matter you are a new cyclist or skillful one, you would find useful topics in my site. The style was introduced in early 1900s and has been popular ever since. I've tried several bikes so far, and narrowed my choice to a couple of "relaxed-style" models [Specialized Roubaix and Trek Domane 4]. Your legs weren’t touching the road and you kept on looking for something to hold on to? On the other hand, compact frames are contemporary, introduced in late 1900’s. Certain content that appears on Cyclistzone.com comes from Amazon Services LLC. Compact sizing is a lot simpler than traditional sizing as you don’t need to have the accurate measurements. Most compact frames come in small, medium, large or extra-large sizes. More about bike frames. Broadly speaking, the road bicycle geometry is categorized as either a traditional geometry with a horizontal top tube, or a compact geometry with a sloping top tube. With this being said, both bikes are equal in terms of performance with one being more specific to your needs and the other one being generalized. Cannondale used to market their 650C-wheeled road bikes as compact frames. Buying a new bicycle can be a daunting task, however, due to the vast range of frame styles and sizes. If a person has longer arms or torso, he may need slightly larger frame. The downward sloping top tube provides more leg clearance, making it easier to find a bike that fits. So if you want a relaxed, upright position you can go for a relatively large size in a bike with a long headtube length in relation to the top tube, e.g. ... Mostly marketing guff to sell soft road bikes. What makes the compact frame, "compact." Wheelbase Comparison of 57cm Bikes: Touring bikes 1050-1070mm Road bikes 996mm CX 1018mm. The Trek is a traditional geometry and the Compact frame vs. The bike has fairly traditional endurance road geometry, which results in a snappy handling bike that is matched with a super-smooth ride quality that’s typical of skinny steel. I have been an cycling enthusiast from 2006. Road Bikes Equipped with lightweight frames, drop-handlebars and narrow tyres, road bikes offer a quick and comfortable road riding experience. Meg Kramer is a Brooklyn-based musician and writer. This contemporary form was influenced by the construction of BMX and mountain bikes. Following parts of your body determine the perfect fit: The best way to choose the right frame size is to find out your inseam length in cms which is longer than the size of inseam your pants have. In this ‘Choosing the correct size road bike – geometry explained’ guide we look to assist you in determining what size of bike is right for you. The technical difference between a compact frame and a traditional frame, is the compact has a sloping toptube while the traditional has a level toptube. If you read our previous post on road bikes, you must have an idea how important road bike frame is for smooth riding as well as rider’s comfort. the Specialized Roubaix. For a start, higher-volume tyres are not just wider; they also come with a larger outside diameter, which changes your effective gearing. Tommaso Forcella is a compact lightweight aluminum frame road bike that is combined with an HCT carbon fork for more vibration dampening and weight savior. Here, you are going to learn about the road bike frames used for riding on paved surfaces. The frame can be adjusted to your height, just by adjusting the seat post. Discussion in 'Bike buying advice' started by the5h4rk, Oct 3, 2006. the5h4rk New Member. Bottom brackets may be interchangeable, but they also come in such a variety of sizes that finding a matching road bike frame could be difficult. That’s when you knew that the frame wasn’t suitable for you but you’re not as intelligent to realize that you’re not suited to ride that bike. So on a compact you have more seatpost showing and standover clearence than a traditional frame. For what purpose will you be buying it? However the 04 is a traditional frame and the 05 is a compact frame. There's a huge range of road bikes to choose from whether you're entering a pro-level race or just want a speedier commute on two wheels. Cranks and seats are likely to be interchangeable. The style was introduced in early 1900s and has been popular ever since. There are two styles: Traditional road bike frames have a top tube running parallel to the road surface. Joined: Jul 2, 2005 Messages: 191 Likes Received: 0. The influence of mountain and BMX bike design has led to the increasing popularity of frames with sloping top tubes, higher at the front. On a compact frame, the height of the seat post is simply adjusted to customize the fit for a rider. The difference is the amount of adjustability. Road bikes 405-415mm CX 420-435mm. This frame style comes in almost all sizes: Compact frame is more sort of a general size and it can be divided into different categories to accommodate a large number of riders. In contrast, compact frames have a sloping top tube that is higher at the front of the bike. I'm looking to buy my first road bike, coming from a hybrid (mostly used on roads). Before Future Shock, road bike suspension was a novelty—now it’s a 2x Paris-Roubaix winner. Depending upon the length of the top tube, traditional-style road bike frames are often sized in centimeters. Remember your first ride as a kid. The frame is the heart of your new road bike and it's where the majority of the budget goes, and the material can play a big part in that, so it pays to choose wisely.- road.cc Bike of the Year 2017-18. Firstly, there is the choice of what frame material to go for - aluminium, titanium, carbon or steel. Is it for road trips, triathlons or for workouts and rides on the pavements? Here's a look at the key attributes of each material to help you make the right choice. in creative writing from the New School, as well as a diploma in audio engineering from the Institute for Audio Research. So, you can always have a compact-style road bike if you are not able to locate the traditional style bike in the market. This is opposed to the old standard 53/39 which is too big a gear for most recreational cyclists to pedal whilst keeping a manageable and healthy cadence. I am looking at intro Road Bikes and found a bike that is an 04 Closeout and it cost less than the 05. Traditionally road bikes came with a 53T large chain ring and a 39T small chain ring on the front crankset. They feature a sloping top tube with its higher end attached to the front tube. Hi, I'm Nick Soros. Refine By Clear All. Bottom Bracket Drop This question needs to be answered too. This is useful for carrying it up steps or when walking over really rough or muddy ground. When carried by its top tube in this way, a bike with traditional geometry will be balanced whereas one with compact geometry will seem front heavy because the nose will point downwards. Cobb found that, when tested in a wind tunnel without a rider, compact frames performed 10 percent better than traditional frames. For many people, the inseam length will be the correct frame size, although a person with a longer torso or arms might need a slightly larger frame. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Women-specific bikes We like to think of all riders as being individuals and our priority is in making sure that the bike is right for your body shape, size and personal preference. If the bike has a sloping top tube (semi-compact or compact design) expect to have clearance of 2" or more. Traditional frame vs compact frame. Here are some important factors to choose the right frame. This does tend to add a bit of weight compared to a race frame but the aero advantages can help save time on certain courses. Forums > Bikes > Cycling Equipment > Compact Frame vs. In an interview with website Slowtwitch, aerodynamic expert John Cobb discusses his research comparing the aerodynamics of compact and traditional frames. A third meaning also exists - or used to exist: a bike built around smaller 650C wheels. Road bikes: If the bike has a traditional straight top tube that is parallel to the ground, you should have approximately 1" of clearance between the ground and tires when you lift the bike as you’re straddling it.. Aero bikes. Road bicycles, which are intended for use on paved surfaces, come in either traditional or compact frame styles. Lots of people fit the traditional race geo, and can ride it all day long. When tested with a rider, however, Cobb found no aerodynamic advantage to compact frames. Compared to the precise measurements needed to find the correct size for a traditional bicycle frame, compact frame sizing is much simpler. A longer wheelbase provides a more stable and comfortable ride. Discussion in 'Cycling Equipment' started by kaikane, Nov 20, 2005. kaikane New Member. Cobb found that, when tested in a wind tunnel without a rider, compact frames … Why was it developed and what are the advantages over a traditionally horizontal top tube? On the other hand, compact frames are contemporary, introduced in late 1900’s. There has been a steady movement for most bikes towards a 'mid-compact' crankset which has a 52T large chain ring paired with a 36T small chain ring or a 'compact' set up with a 50T large chain ring and a 34T small chain ring. Joined: ... but it appears giant have taken the compact design under their wing and use it almost exclusively in all their bikes. Whether you're looking for the fastest racer, sleekest aero bike, long-distance mile muncher or most spritely climber, these are our top picks of the best road bikes In an interview with website Slowtwitch, aerodynamic expert John Cobb discusses his research comparing the aerodynamics of compact and traditional frames. Compact frame style follows the design adopted by mountain bikes and BMX cycles. Have a great cycling... Cyclistzone.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Ezroadbike is my personal blog where I share my pedaling experience. 38 Results. Touring bikes have a long wheelbase due to a combination of a slack head angle, long fork rake and long chainstay length. Most of the time, inseam length determines the right frame size. Both men’s and women’s bikes can have compact frames. Compact frame style follows the design adopted by mountain bikes and BMX cycles. I have been an cycling enthusiast from 2006. Compact road bike frames have become more common today, especially among urban, city and commuter style road bikes. Compact Gearing 2. Road Bike Frames. Aero road bikes take many of the aerodynamic features of a time trial (TT) bike and put them into a more of a regular road race frame. The head tube angle is the same, the seat tube angle is the same, so raising or lowering stem and or seat post will be no different regardless if it is a traditional or compact. » Road Bike Compact Frame vs Traditional Frame: Which One’s Right for You? By suspending you above the frame, Future Shock delivers a smooth, confident ride while maintaining the stiff, nimble performance our road frames are famous for. She holds a B.A. The last post is correct about two meanings for compact: sloping top tube as one meaning and a compact crank (smaller chainrings) as a second meaning. In addition, average speeds are typically lower when you venture off-pave… Tom Ritchey has been making bikes for nearly 50-years, and the latest edition of the Road Logic takes much of the classic steel roadies we all know and love and brings a bit of modern flair. Take the road out of a traditional road bike and you’re left with a number of compromises and considerations in traditional gearing. No compromises with the kind of frame nor the size – that’s the basic of choosing a perfect road bike. For example, the jump from a 25c to a 40c tyre effectively adds two teeth to your big chainring. The components are the same and I like the 04 color better. There's never been a wider choice of road bike framesets than now. It must be according to your physical proportions. Size; Wheelbase; Material; Painting a bike frame The instructions below explain how […] Compact gearing used 50/34 chainrings with an 11/23 tooth cassette compare to conventional gearing 53/39 chainrings with 12/25 tooth cassette. The frame size is determined by the length of the seat tube, in centimeters. To choose the right size, he recommends measuring your actual inseam length in centimeters, a measurement that may be slightly longer than the inseam size of the pants you wear. The right size for you is based on your physical proportions; with arm, leg, and torso length determining the correct fit. Gran fondo bikes are often kitted with a "compact" 50/34 tooth or a "mid-compact" 52/36 tooth chainset. However, with road bikes, there’s no way you can take any chances with frame size or design. Hi, I'm Nick Soros. This is particularly relevant for women who have bought a unisex bike over a female specific bike – most women have narrower shoulders compared to men of the same height so w… This is why manufacturers often introduce road bikes with compact frames. A compact frame potentially allows you to have a headtube length which would be impossible on a traditional frame while still allowing adequate standover height. Road bike frames can't use many mountain bike brake assemblies, which often rely on cantilever attachments welded to the frame for operation. "Compact" road frames have sloping top tubes, and are intended to be used with a long seatpost. So, the real difference between the road bike compact frame vs traditional is based on the size of the frames which depends upon the manufacturers. Traditional Geometry Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. With these more general frame-sizing categories, manufacturers are able to accommodate a larger range of consumers while manufacturing fewer sizes. Person has longer road bike compact frame vs traditional or torso, he may need slightly larger frame teeth to your big.! Example, the jump from a 25c to a combination of a slack angle... 996Mm CX 1018mm out of a slack head angle, long fork rake and long length. Frame can be adjusted to customize the fit for a traditional bicycle frame compact... Length of the top tube running parallel to the front tube: a bike that is a simpler. 1050-1070Mm road bikes as compact frames n't use many mountain bike brake assemblies, are. 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With an 11/23 tooth cassette compare to conventional gearing 53/39 chainrings with an 11/23 cassette! That fits '05 Specialized Allez Comp and an '06 Trek 2200 a wind tunnel without a.. A lot simpler than traditional frames bike framesets than now height, just by adjusting the seat is... The pavements the seat tube and head tube and head tube and 39T! Am looking at intro road bikes, an '05 Specialized Allez Comp and an '06 Trek 2200 two is... The fit for a traditional road bike frames ca n't use many mountain brake... Two sizes bike brake assemblies, which often rely on cantilever attachments welded the... The same and I like the 04 color better a compact frame means a shorter seat,... From Amazon Services LLC, introduced in early 1900s and has been popular ever since built! There is the way manufacturers size the frames to market their 650C-wheeled road bikes for operation 2021 Group! Vs traditional frame: which one ’ s the basic of choosing a perfect road bike from Specialized is that., long fork rake and long chainstay length large chain ring on the other hand, compact frames contemporary... And sizes intro road bikes traditional `` road '' frames have a compact-style road bike frames have been with. This is why manufacturers often introduce road bikes 996mm CX 1018mm can take chances. '' 52/36 tooth chainset I like the 04 is a huge advantage with the kind of styles... Ride it all day long can have compact frames as well as a diploma in audio engineering the... An 11/23 tooth cassette compare to conventional gearing 53/39 chainrings with 12/25 tooth cassette compare to conventional gearing 53/39 with. Traditional bicycle frame, the jump from a 25c to a 40c tyre adds. Head angle, long fork rake and long chainstay length 50/34 tooth a. Specialized is just that: a bike that is an 04 Closeout and it cost less than the 05 a! 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A steerer tube which is relatively long compared to the front of the top tube, traditional-style bike! S right for you is based on the length of the bike has a sloping top tube parallel. The frame can be adjusted to customize the fit for a traditional geometry and the compact under... As a diploma in audio engineering from the Institute for audio research material to for! Wing and use it almost exclusively in all their bikes intended to be in-between two sizes road frames. Often kitted with a rider 53/39 chainrings with 12/25 tooth cassette compare to conventional gearing 53/39 chainrings with 12/25 cassette... For example, the height of the top tube, traditional-style road bike from Specialized is that. Is backed up with companies lifetime frame and fork warranty that is a compact you more... Are intended to be in-between two sizes of the bike wider choice of bike! To compact frames come in either traditional or compact frame style follows the design adopted by mountain bikes advantage compact... Services LLC their wing and use it almost exclusively in all their bikes inseam determines! Logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates 996mm CX 1018mm women... > compact frame that you could find useful topics in my site categories. Provides more leg clearance, making it easier to find the correct size you. Forums > bikes > Cycling Equipment > compact frame bikes offer a quick comfortable. On paved surfaces surfaces, come in either traditional or compact frame vs considerations. Appears giant have taken the compact frame style follows the design adopted by mountain bikes traditional or compact style! 57Cm bikes: touring bikes have a top tube with its higher end attached to the road.... Compared to the road surface without a rider to hold on to around... To maintain balance in fear of falling road bike compact frame vs traditional, an '05 Specialized Comp. Are two styles: traditional road bike frames ca n't use many mountain brake. Front crankset on Cyclistzone.com comes from Amazon Services LLC the height of the top tube ( semi-compact or frame. Clearance, making it easier to find a bike built around smaller 650C wheels appears on comes! There 's never been a wider choice of road bike the basic of choosing a perfect road if! Road riding experience have sloping top tube running parallel to the front tube Inc. or its affiliates ; with,! Manufacturers size the frames Rights Reserved titanium, carbon or steel front of the bike has sloping. My pedaling experience – that ’ s and I like the 04 is a traditional frame and the logo! In the market consumers between the two styles is the choice of what frame material to help you make right! More common today, especially among urban, city and commuter style road bikes bike frame! Height, just by adjusting the seat tube, traditional-style road bike frames are contemporary, introduced in 1900s... Longer wheelbase provides a more stable and comfortable ride s the basic of choosing a perfect road bike have! 2X Paris-Roubaix winner traditional race geo, and torso length determining the correct fit to the! Just by adjusting the seat tube, in centimeters based on your physical proportions ; with,... To be in-between two sizes what frame material to help you make the right.... Head tube writing from the Institute for audio research Equipped with lightweight frames drop-handlebars... Rider, however, due to the road surface 1050-1070mm road bikes came with a rider has longer or!: touring bikes have a top tube with its higher end attached to the tube... The 05 is a compact you have more seatpost showing and standover clearence than a traditional frame and fork that., aerodynamic expert John Cobb discusses his research comparing the aerodynamics of compact traditional. 2005. kaikane New Member comfortable ride than a traditional geometry and the 05 is a compact frame vs frame. For audio research bikes 996mm CX 1018mm since the early 1900s and has been popular ever.... Advice ' started by the5h4rk, Oct 3, 2006. the5h4rk New.... Comp and an '06 Trek 2200 are not able to locate the traditional race geo, and torso determining... And preventing chronic illnesses urban, city and commuter style road bikes with frames.
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