[CR]frame sizes in the 1920s

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 12:38:51 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
From: <chasds@mindspring.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]frame sizes in the 1920s

I have to differ with Mr. Coopland, at least based on my observation of pictures of the Tour de France from the 1920s. It appears that frame size was quite varied, but the general trend was taller frames with not-much seat-post showing.

I've wondered if sizing and seat-to-pedal distances weren't considered somewhat differently then? Could it be that at times it was thought that less leg-extension was somehow a good thing? Thus, saddles were lower than they would be today?

Numerous pictures I've seen of riders in the 20s suggest tall frames, short posts, and short stems were the rule... a Gloria catalog I have, from about 1940, shows this very clearly, too.

And I'm sure there were always exceptions.

Charles Andrews
Los Angeles