"The very worst aspect of the modern cycle trade, is the infestation by the authorised distributor and agent. Business execs chasing profit, having no passion for the sport, or the purity of bikes - most of these people have never even sat on a bike in anger, it is just a commodity to sell... this is reflected in the cynical way that they have forced compact bikes onto us, for their own benefit, very few sizes, only a few colours, very easy to stock, cuts costs and makes more money, but fit hardly anyone. Just take a long look at them, and the puppet journalists sitting on them who rave about how good they are, RUBBISH!!!
There is no compromise in the Maestro shop, a race bike in the classic way, is still the only way, and nothing has really changed."
Friday, August 08, 2008
15 The Classic Way
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I don't think anyone who was paying for the bike has ever been forced to ride a compact bike. There's plenty on standard geometry options out there is a person doesn't want a compact frame.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the compact remark. What is the benefit to producers of pushing compact frames?
ReplyDeleteBenefit to producers?
ReplyDeleteThey can make lesser frames, say 5, instead of making 10 or 20 with traditional geometry. Then they believe that 80% of the riding population can be fitted among these five.
Thats a big assumption anyway.
So its just a way to save on cost for producers.
Tim here may like a compact look, but I may not. Say we both bought a Cervelo for 3000 bucks...well, both of us would be pretty darn satisfied, but in the end, I would still have "preferred" if it had the old classic top tube. Am I completely satisfied then? No...
Whats my other option?
Look at a different company..?
Well, what if I liked a Cervelo..?
The fact is, I have been noticing that every new year, more and more models of bikes are coming out in compact sizes, leaving the classic geometry in a forgotten mist. Its like a scourge.
Most of the time, we have no say in the matters. Yes indeed, its like they're forcing compact bikes on us. Completely agree...
Compact certainly doesnt satisfy my tastes either. I look at the Litespeed line of bikes and keep missing the traditional geometries they used to have once upon a time.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to look at the Litespeed Ghisallo and puke on it. Seems to me as if they lost their flair.
There are so many non-compact frame options out that your complaints are really pointless.
ReplyDeleteYou guys want a traditional bike? Go buy one!
You want carbon? Colonago, Pinarello, Bianchi, ect . . . .
Ti? Lynskey, Moots, Seven, ect . . .
Al? Cannondale, some of those mentioned above and on and on and on.
Really, you are complaining about a bunch of nothing.
I kind of have to agree with Annon. There are no sloping top tubes in my stable. There are all kinds of traditional frames out there. It's not to often that I buy a stock bike anyways because I like to mix and match my favorite components.
ReplyDelete-B
...the actual point of the blog was to reference the heartless & soulless behavior that has infested the bicycle bizness through the actions of "bottom line" company execs...
ReplyDelete...the mention of compact frames was a simple but dramatic example...
...they've managed to create enough "believers" out of the newer generations of cyclists that even "old school" builders generally offer both styles, nowadays...
...& anon 9:52am...if you had bothered to actually read ron's "what if" point you would note that no one is "complaining about a bunch of nothing" & that the subject being addressed is not "pointless"...
...i would suggest performance would be the major concern when choosing a bike & that cannot be as finitely addressed w/ limited sizes & aesthetic appeal also factors in to most peoples sensibilities, for obvious reasons...
...et moi ???...never liked the look of sloping top tubes...unless they slope the other way, as in old school tt bikes...
This guy Maestro is just using a marketing tactic of talking trash about the competition. It's not very classy, IMHO. I've never had a compact frame before, I just wanted to comment on this marketing tactic.
ReplyDeleteRecently at a three race series near Pittsburgh, the previous race winner commented that on a steep downhill section, he went to his familiar tuck on a his sponsored Bike (sloping tube) and there wasn't a tube to squeeze with his knees and legs, only the saddle. So a slopping tube is a compromise there in a descending situation.
ReplyDeleteIt was only a problem because he grew up riding a standard geometry. If the racer had started on compact and had to ride a standard he would certainly have problems with it.
ReplyDeleteMy compact frame fits me better than any standard frame ever has. Due to the length of my torso etc. I either have to ride a super long top tube and show only a couple inches of seatpost (iffy standover), or a shorter top tube with a ridiculously long (140mm+) stem. Now I ride a compact frame with a 110mm stem, am able to pinch the top tube with my knees on descents, and am a happier cyclist.
ReplyDeleteKid-Guess you're one of the lucky ones. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteThe problem isn't with the shape of the compact frames. The problem is, a Ron and Meastro UK pointed out, that most manufacturers offer compact frames in a limited variety of sizes. This works for most people (in fact, I bet manufacturers could limit their production to 56 cm frames and satisfy 70% of the population). However, those of us outside the bell curve are out of luck. Right now, my sponsor provides me with a Ridley Excalibur. The problem is, Ridley offers their carbon bikes in only 5 sizes; the large is too small, but the XL is too big, so my only choice is which compromise I want to make.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what manufacturers do, some people will be happy and some people won't. However, it seems like more people are going to find a frame that fits when they have 20 sizes to choose from instead of five.
Our road bike geometry is a little different than most companies', but the important thing is that it works. Before Team CSC rode on Cervélos, it used a frame that came in 12 sizes yet several riders needed custom-made frames because none of the 12 fit. Now, they use five sizes (there is no CSC rider who needs the 61cm frame) and there isn't a single rider on the roster who needs a custom-made frame. - Cervelo regarding geometry http://www.cervelo.com
ReplyDelete- Ryan
Thank you all. There has been a debate on both sides here and thats good, but like some said, Meastro is a pretty reputable retailer in the UK with years of experience under the belt, and when Mike says something about the bike trade, he usually means it.
ReplyDelete