A very personal subject, top tube clearance. It all depends on where you want the handlebars in relation to the saddle. Rivendell advocates bars equal/level with the saddle, or a few inches above, to promote a more relaxed riding position. Hence, the head tube extension, sloped top tube and Technomics stem typical of the Rivendell style, to allow you to jack the bars way up there. Also hence the B-17 saddle, to help your tail bone deal with the rearward weight distribution. Racer boys these days often have the bars super low to foster better aerodynamics, but many (most?) folks find the low bars anything from uncomfortable to down right unrideable. And my problem is that I can't warm up to the looks of the extension, especially some that are appearing now that look like 2-3 inches long. Rivendell's is tolerable, but doesn't look exactly "right". Of course it's much more noticeable on a bare frame, hardly visible on a built bike, and I didn't notice it at all on Grant's bike as he thundered by me on the Sunday ride at the '03 Cirque ( a borrowed Romulus, as I recall). And of course a Rivendell style frame gives you the option of putting the bars high or low.
The alternatives for folks wanting a vintage looking frame are living with bars lower than the saddle (usually at least 2-4 inches with a "normal" size frame and a "normal" stem such as a Cinelli 1a), use a long shaft stem, or give up clearance to ride a big frame. Having almost gelded myself once (foot slipped off a wet pedal during start up) I'm aware of the potential problems, but I still prefer riding a larger frame that permits use of regular sized stems and seat posts to achieve a comfortable position. I also, in a wildly subjective opinion, think the larger frame rides more comfortably than the smaller frame. My '74 Paramount P-10 is 25.5 inches (has only a fist of seat post showing) but in spite of the famous Schwinn preference for hell-for-stout tubing, the bike has a nice comfortable ride. It's also, btw, the only bike I have with a Cinelli stem and Campy NR seat post that doesn't have the parts pulled out to (or slightly beyond) the maximum extension line. It looks "right". Riding a smaller frame eliminates the NR post and usually requires the Technomics stem (which, thank God, looks good, especially the Rivendell deluxe version). They are fine functioning bikes and parts, but lose mojo points for not having classic parts on a classic sized frame.
Of course my back hasn't started hurting yet, and I'm happy with the bars 1-2 inches below the saddle, or at most level. Your preferences will vary, but I do recommend trying a larger bike that results in only a fist of seat post showing, and see how you like the ride. You'll look just like Coppi! Just be careful getting on or off.
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
>From: "heddarr"
>To:
>Subject: [CR]Head lug extensions_ standover height and fit
>Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 10:19:31 -0400
>
>A fellow listmember observed the extensions on the newer head lugs and asked
>why not have a longer seat tube.
>
>Back in the day at the Schwinn shop fit was determined by the largest frame
>one could straddle. By that method I was a 57 or 58 cm measured c -t - c
>depending on the drop of the bottom bracket and the seat tube angle. Since
>I have aged a bit I have been interested in bigger tires. Add a cm or so
>for big air and the top tube is too close and personal.
>
>My daily rider is a 56cm to accommodate the bigger tires but the handlebars
>ends up lower. Since my back is a little stiffer I switched to a sloped
>stem.
>
>A extension would accommodate all of the above and still allow for a
>traditional stem. I wrench at a modern Schwinn shop occasionally and they
>fit much smaller than in the day. Rivendell uses a slightly sloping top
>tube and an extension. Serotta markets an extension. Any thoughts on
>standover height and fit?????
>Howard Darr
>Clymer PA
>
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