Aesthetics of dropped seat stays
Moderator: robbosmans
Most of the bikes discussed in this forum are raced in uci world tour so the frame manufacturers pursue all the incremental gains and they ride and handle better for it.
But when I recently considered changing my bike for something racier the looks definitely played a roll and I gravitate towards bikes with traditional seat stay position eg. Canyon. Even BMC which arguably makes the best looking bikes with dropped stays, doesn't look as good person.
They're certainly more aero and probably help with compliance too, but are they worth the sacrifice in aesthetics for those of us not racing for a living? Do bike aesthetics factor into your decisions?
But when I recently considered changing my bike for something racier the looks definitely played a roll and I gravitate towards bikes with traditional seat stay position eg. Canyon. Even BMC which arguably makes the best looking bikes with dropped stays, doesn't look as good person.
They're certainly more aero and probably help with compliance too, but are they worth the sacrifice in aesthetics for those of us not racing for a living? Do bike aesthetics factor into your decisions?
2016 Diverge Expert
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com
Of course bike aesthetics factor in to my decision making process. And you’ve just reminded me of another talking point for my C64 thread. Thank you.
Colnago C64 - The Naked Build; Colnago C60 - PR99; Trek Koppenberg - Where Emonda and Domane Meet;
Unlinked Builds (searchable): Colnago C59 - 5 Years Later; Trek Emonda SL Campagnolo SR; Special Colnago EPQ
Unlinked Builds (searchable): Colnago C59 - 5 Years Later; Trek Emonda SL Campagnolo SR; Special Colnago EPQ
Think they look better. Consider the new Tarmac and Allez, even the lower end models which have dropped the seat stays look fantastic to my eye. Fresh, modern, sporty.
Traditional looking frame designs are so common place (we've been living with them since all of us have been born, in some cases that means over 50 years of the same old seat stay design) that you would have to be badly stuck in the mud in terms of aesthetic appreciation to not suffer diminishing returns. The only way I can enjoy a completely traditional frame shape now is if it's done with a touch of extravagance and luxury. The C60 is a great example.
Traditional looking frame designs are so common place (we've been living with them since all of us have been born, in some cases that means over 50 years of the same old seat stay design) that you would have to be badly stuck in the mud in terms of aesthetic appreciation to not suffer diminishing returns. The only way I can enjoy a completely traditional frame shape now is if it's done with a touch of extravagance and luxury. The C60 is a great example.
-
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:12 pm
They're horrifically ugly and even if I raced, I don't buy into performance claims
Ugly as all FCUK.
In my opinion of course.
Aesthetics plays a huge role in my bike-related choices. After all if the thing looks ugly it's gonna be a lot less enticing to get on it and ride the wheels off the thing.
I also just like looking at them.
In my opinion of course.
Aesthetics plays a huge role in my bike-related choices. After all if the thing looks ugly it's gonna be a lot less enticing to get on it and ride the wheels off the thing.
I also just like looking at them.
- wheelbuilder
- Posts: 1215
- Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2017 2:10 am
Aesthetics and particularly paint plays a big role in my cycling satisfaction. I like traditional shaped frames, but I do prefer sloping top tubes, and 27.2 posts. I am not fond of dropped stay frames.
Never cheer before you know who is winning
- IrrelevantD
- Posts: 857
- Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 5:47 pm
- Location: Near DFW Airport
Who cares about ascetics, they are shorter, so less material, so they are lighter, right? This is weight weenies after all. On top of that, they're more aero.... right? So lighter, and more aero. Win win.
* There is a 70% chance that what you have just read has a peppering of cynicism or sarcasm and generally should not be taken seriously.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.
Aesthetics should always be your #1 factor unless you're sponsored or really digging in for saved watts for a TT or something. If you're not happy with how it looks, why spend thousands of dollars to own it? IMO it can look pretty bad but there's no denying that it's modern and has become standard for a reason. There are still plenty of new bikes out there with traditional seatstays (Orbea Orca, Trek Emonda, etc). Ride what you like.
I don't know for sure if there's really less materials. When you drop the stays the stresses on those members increase significantly. So more materials are needed to compensate. The question is whether it's a net increase or decrease in materials, and hence weight. The lowered stays also increase the stresses on the upper part of the seat tube above the seatstays.IrrelevantD wrote: ↑Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:12 pmWho cares about ascetics, they are shorter, so less material, so they are lighter, right? This is weight weenies after all. On top of that, they're more aero.... right? So lighter, and more aero. Win win.
- IrrelevantD
- Posts: 857
- Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 5:47 pm
- Location: Near DFW Airport
I was being facetious/cynical/sarcastic about the weight/aero. I truly don't notice it on the aesthetics though. As long as it rides well, I'm cool with it. Now those wavy looking Pinarello forks, I hate those things.pdlpsher1 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:32 pmI don't know for sure if there's really less materials. When you drop the stays the stresses on those members increase significantly. So more materials are needed to compensate. The question is whether it's a net increase or decrease in materials, and hence weight. The lowered stays also increase the stresses on the upper part of the seat tube above the seatstays.
* There is a 70% chance that what you have just read has a peppering of cynicism or sarcasm and generally should not be taken seriously.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.
Can look great, can look shit. I think it depends on the size of the frame, the tube shapes, the amount of seatpost showing, and the paint job.
As was said above, I'm a fan of a sloping top tube, 27.2 posts, and more traditional round(ish) tube shapes.
As was said above, I'm a fan of a sloping top tube, 27.2 posts, and more traditional round(ish) tube shapes.
-
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 8:27 am
I think aesthetics is always top priority when I choose my bike. If I saw new bike lines that has dropped seat stay and brand said it helps you go faster, look fancier I get it. That’s totally reasonable. As long as looking cool I don’t care it’s dropped or not but I’m a bit of a fan of traditional frame shape.
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com