re: [CR]Unusual frame design on eBay - Caselli track bike

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:45:41 -0800
From: "Marc St. Martin" <marc.stmartin@earthlink.net>
To: <hsachs@alumni.rice.edu>, <rodk3d@comcast.net>, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, Harry Travis <travis.harry@gmail.com>
Subject: re: [CR]Unusual frame design on eBay - Caselli track bike


I think the intent with the design is to get you closer to your partner in a team pursuit and reduce your frontal area.

Marc St. Martin Livermore, California USA (Temporarily in Washington, D.C.)

-----Original Message-----

>From: Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net>

>Sent: Dec 17, 2008 2:33 PM

>To: rodk3d@comcast.net, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, Harry Travis <travis.harry@gmail.com>

>Subject: re: [CR]Unusual frame design on eBay - Caselli track bike

>

>The frame design depicted increases the ability of the front end to

>track independently of the rear end, since it makes it easier for the

>axis of the steering apparatus to diverge from parallel with the seat

>tube. At the same time, it adds to the ability of the fork to absorb

>shock, by making it easier to twist around the "X" and momentarily

>shorten the wheelbase. I regard both attributes as "counterintuitive

>features," which might be marketer-speak for "really weird ways to make

>a track bike work less well." But, I could be wrong.

>

>harvey sachs

>mcLean va.

>

>Harry Travis asked:

>What understanding (or misunderstanding) of the forces on a bike would

>lead someone to build this frame? What problem does it solve? What

>weaknesses does it create? (I notice that with a smaller front wheel,

>more space has been furnished to the rider for her feet, and the

>headtube can be made longer.)

>

> >>

> >> Never seen a frame like this:

> >>

> >>

> >>

>http://ebay.com/<blah>