Re: [CR]why you should point all small bikes at me:

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "Stephen Barner" <steve@sburl.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <CATFOODftCcVGtDmAkY000002b2@catfood.nt.phred.org>
Subject: Re: [CR]why you should point all small bikes at me:
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2004 18:00:57 -0500


Ann brings up a very good point. 49-53 cm frames often came with really long top tubes, especially the touring models. I have always kicked myself for not carefully reading the frame dimension specs on the touring Paramount that I bought new in '77. If I had noticed that the TT was 22 1/2" on a 21" frame, I would have sprung the few extra bucks for a custom with a more reasonable length TT. As it is, the 21", 22" and 23" touring bikes all had the same length TT.

Interestingly (at least for we short folks), that kind of geometry appears on other touring-oriented bikes of the '70s. Raleigh Internationals are almost identical. Sure, I can put a real short stem on it but, aesthetically, this leaves something to be desired. It also puts the rider way back behind the front wheel. The weight distribution can be totally different between a taller and shorter rider, which may be the reason why shorter riders typically don't come back with as many shimmy complaints as taller riders. If that's the reason, why not stretch out the larger frames, too?

So, what's the reason for this? Toe clip clearance? If so, it doesn't help once the fenders are on. Weight distribution? Shorter racing frames handle just fine; better, in fact. Shock absorption on smaller freames? Tube inventory? Maybe Brian can shed some light on this.

I remember when we measured the smallest frame Lotus in the shop one day and found that the geometry was exactly the same as the next model up, but the bottom bracket height was higher. TT distance to floor was exactly the same. Now there's thoughtful frame design!

Steve Barner, Bolton, Vermont


----- Original Message -----
>Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2004 13:27:40 -0500


> From: ADP <aphillips9@mindspring.com>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]why you should point all small bikes at me:

SNIP
>
> Seriously, other than custom bikes, (and this should bring us back on
> topic!) why is it that the only stock vintage bikes that fit me right are
> Italian? What is it that made all those lovely vintage Raleighs only fit
> really tall people? I've not seen too many French bikes that fit me
> either. Even if I get the standover part right - the top tubes go on for
> miles.
>
> Ann Phillips, Decatur GA
> recycling center for those dangerous 50cm steel bikes