Bicycle geometry question

[Gravity Aided]

Also, if the seat stays came to full height, someone would be attempting to fit a rack and panniers to this bicycle, making it heavier and less aero, let alone the need to invent carbon fiber p-clips.

 

[Andy_R]

It is actually structural science, since the material has nothing to do with geometry. Nevertheless, why not just move the anchor point of the stays to just above the BB - that will give you the shortest seatstay possible and also expose the flaw in your reasoning.

If it's nothing to do with geometry then how can it be structural science?

 

[annirak]

Yup, it's aero. Though, by the time it's got to that area the air is pretty dirty so any advantage will be infinitesimally small.

On that frame, I might agree, but that's not the only example. On this one, it's definitely not about aero.

You may also notice that this one has mounts for a rack and fenders.

 

[Citius]

If it's nothing to do with geometry then how can it be structural science?

Because they are two different things.

 

[Andy_R]

Because they are two different things.

The structure of an item is defined by the materials used and the geometry, so no.

 

[Citius]

The structure of an item is defined by the materials used and the geometry, so no.

'Materials science' relates to the physics and chemistry of solids. Do you really want to have this debate? It would be so much easier just to admit you were less than clear in your previous post.

 

[annirak]

There is no advantage and any such "advantage" stated by the manufacturer is post-rationalized in the marketing department, not created in the engineering department.

I don't believe this simply because I can't find any marketing about the geometry.

 

[Citius]

BMC have always had a strange seat stay/seat tube junction thing going on - it's almost like a trade-mark for them. I'm going with the marketing theory...

 

[bpsmith]

I totally disbelieve that, just because the bicycle has evolved significantly, there are no options to evolve it further!

 

[Bodhbh]

Judging by the name of the bike, I believe the lower stays offer less resistance when traversing the space-time continium.

 

[annirak]

BMC have always had a strange seat stay/seat tube junction thing going on - it's almost like a trade-mark for them. I'm going with the marketing theory...

Giant uses this style on some bikes too.

 

[Citius]

Giant uses this style on some bikes too.

As do GT, MBK (there's a name from the past), Van Nicholas - lots of makers use distinctive seat stay arrangements. Mostly for differentiation. If there was an actual advantage, everyone would do it...

 

[annirak]

If that many makers are doing it, it's not differentiation.

 

[Citius]

If that many makers are doing it, it's not differentiation.

I didn't say they were all doing it in an identical manner. They all do it slightly differently, as you probably know. If it isn't differentiation, then you'd need to explain what you think it is.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Humble Frameworks(over by Bridgie((Bridgeport)) in Chicago).