If all else is the same larger diameter or thicker walls means stiffer, and longer gives more movement at the end. Maybe you can not feel it but the science does not change. Steven Willis 1778 East Second Street Scotch Plains NJ 07076 908-322-3330 http://www.thebikestand.com
> jeremylieberman@nyc.rr.com writes:
>
> However most people I've spoken to feel think that pencil chainstays do
make
> a difference.
>
> As I recall, this subject came up a year or so ago and many framebuilders
> felt that curved stays were merely gimmicks to gin up sales. I suspect
pencil
> stays would fall under the same conclusion. I can understand the
> compression argument. I can understand the brake support argument. What
I can't
> understand is why so many builders would talk about using "beefy
chainstays" to
> support the bb during sprints and climbing if it didn't really make any
> difference. Or, are we only talking about seatstays here? Lou Deeter,
Orlando FL