This ehead tubes are getting long arent they?

[mustang1]

When I first bought my road bike the head tube lengths used to give the bike a easing overall profile (even though it had a sloping top tube).

But have you seen the head tube lengths these days? Ginormous! I understand the need to please the endurance rider, but a sneaky side of me thinks its also to please the rich guy who can't get into an aero position too easily due to pork pies. The bike companies have to make the money right?

So I was checking out an Allez and if I was gonna buy a bike with a sloping top tube, then the Allez has a rather pleasing curve

Then, I saw the head tube length. You remember the shock and awe of the gulf war? Well this was more shock and less awe. Wow, its so.... endurance-looking.

Luckily some big companies still appeal to me and I really like cannondales with their far more svelt head tubes. I fear a future where many bikes, road bikes that is, will have a sit up and beg position but with drop handle bars, with a bunch of rich people rising them thinking they're on racing bikes.

Ps I like those CAAD12s... Do you get the feeling I'm trying to convince myself to buy that instead of an Allez....

 

[raleighnut]

Frames for taller riders?

 

[Globalti]

You are so conceited that you've failed to notice that thousands of previously unfit, overweight people have switched over from mountain biking, golf or just doing nothing and achieved prodigious levels of fitness while losing weight and having a ball and that this wouldn't have happened if bicycle manufacturers hadn't built carbon and alloy bikes with smooth comfortable ride, predictable handling, a comfortable position that suits amateur cyclists, compact handlebars, easy gears, light weight, integrated shifters, comfortable saddles, padded handlebars, fat grippy tyres, and now even disc brakes. Sorry if that upsets you!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Frames for taller riders?

I think you're leading the kitchen photo league!

 

[raleighnut]

I think you're leading the kitchen photo league!

No sorry it's just a random photo off T'internet.......................................My kitchen is much nicer though.

 

[Ajay]

Why are you comparing the CAAD12 to the Allez ? They're designed to do different jobs. If it's the mega brands you're into then look at the Tarmac from Spesh instead, the Emonda from Trek and Advanced from Giant for a fair comparison.
It's horses for courses out there.

 

[Psycolist]

I think its fair to say that this is almost certainly a combination of the companies having to make bikes for the masses, as well as being aware of the advances in geometry of all types of bike frames. The bulk of most frame manufacturers have to make the majority of their stuff for that bloke on the Clapham omnibus. However, I guess at this time, there are higher percentages of riders that will actually want a frame to fit them and do more than go to the pub on their bikes. I am very aware of these differences just at this time, as I recently completed a re-build of a 30 year old off roader. My modern off roader gives me an aggressive riding position, where as my older re-build, is much more relaxed, and currently would be more likely to be classified as a hybrid geometry set up. But yes, in answer to your OP, I have also noticed the increased head tube length, but until now, never given any thought as to why. As for your comparison between the CAAD & Spesh, I will pass on that one.

 

[mustang1]

You are so conceited that you've failed to notice that thousands of previously unfit, overweight people have switched over from mountain biking, golf or just doing nothing and achieved prodigious levels of fitness while losing weight and having a ball and that this wouldn't have happened if bicycle manufacturers hadn't built carbon and alloy bikes with smooth comfortable ride, predictable handling, a comfortable position that suits amateur cyclists, compact handlebars, easy gears, light weight, integrated shifters, comfortable saddles, padded handlebars, fat grippy tyres, and now even disc brakes. Sorry if that upsets you!

Well they can ride a fat bike.

 

[mustang1]

Why are you comparing the CAAD12 to the Allez ? They're designed to do different jobs. If it's the mega brands you're into then look at the Tarmac from Spesh instead, the Emonda from Trek and Advanced from Giant for a fair comparison.
It's horses for courses out there.

Back in 2007 when I decided I will get a tarmac once I'm slim enough that people stop calling me fatty, spesh decided to increase the head tube length. The Roubaix ht increased, and the tarmac ht increased to replace that ofbthe Roubaix.

Idk about today, but in years gone by the Allez and tarmac had the same geo.

 

[mustang1]

I think its fair to say that this is almost certainly a combination of the companies having to make bikes for the masses, as well as being aware of the advances in geometry of all types of bike frames. The bulk of most frame manufacturers have to make the majority of their stuff for that bloke on the Clapham omnibus. However, I guess at this time, there are higher percentages of riders that will actually want a frame to fit them and do more than go to the pub on their bikes. I am very aware of these differences just at this time, as I recently completed a re-build of a 30 year old off roader. My modern off roader gives me an aggressive riding position, where as my older re-build, is much more relaxed, and currently would be more likely to be classified as a hybrid geometry set up. But yes, in answer to your OP, I have also noticed the increased head tube length, but until now, never given any thought as to why. As for your comparison between the CAAD & Spesh, I will pass on that one.

I agree with everything you said.

Ps. I compared Allez and caad because if was after a cheapish commuter (or should that be "having fun riding whilst getting to work at the same time"). I had an Allez some time ago and wanted to experience some nostalgia.

 

[Caskman]

Frames for taller riders?

Crikey, I could probably limbo under that top tube

 

[barachus]

you seem very offended at the thought of rich people riding bikes