Curved tube bike thread...

[William]

I happen to be one of those people who find the "old school" look of curved tubes appealing to my aesthetic sensibilities. The Hunter CX in the custom area...
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showth...29#post1280829

...the Trek Sawyer, and the Retrotec Cycles line from Inglas to name a few. Other than the fact that it's more work to bend the tubes, my guess is is just an aesthetic choice for the builder and end user. How do you feel about curved tubed frames? Any of our member builders care to chime in on working with straight vs curved tubes?





William

[jr59]

I like them.

A LOT!

I'm going to NHAB in Denver to look at a few builders. Retrotec is high on that list.

[William]

Originally Posted by jr59

I like them.

A LOT!

I'm going to NHAB in Denver to look at a few builders. Retrotec is high on that list.

What are you thinking Big Guy? Road or dirt?




William

[avalonracing]

They look cool but an MTB with a top tube that curves up in an arch is not a good a idea if you are a man.

[William]

Originally Posted by avalonracing

They look cool but an MTB with a top tube that curves up in an arch is not a good a idea if you are a man.

Eh. All TT on mtb's rise upward.




William

[jr59]

Originally Posted by William

What are you thinking Big Guy? Road or dirt?




William

Townie!!!

Something about like this;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/retrote...es/4541618133/

[eddief]

some interesting curvey stuff:

http://www.monster-bicycles.com/gallery.html

[thirdgenbird]

The trek sawyer was the first trek and first mtb that tempted me in years. I still question myself for passing on one that came up used on our local market.

[jpw]

Originally Posted by William

I happen to be one of those people who find the "old school" look of curved tubes appealing to my aesthetic sensibilities. The Hunter CX in the custom area...
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showth...29#post1280829

...the Trek Sawyer, and the Retrotec Cycles line from Inglas to name a few. Other than the fact that it's more work to bend the tubes, my guess is is just an aesthetic choice for the builder and end user. How do you feel about curved tubed frames? Any of our member builders care to chime in on working with straight vs curved tubes?





William

The seat stays look a little out of proportion, but an interesting bike.

[nooneline]

Humble's Sextant uses curved seatstays. The builder's made some comments about how it makes for a nice look plus easily allows him to build plenty of tire clearance.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by avalonracing

They look cool but an MTB with a top tube that curves up in an arch is not a good a idea if you are a man.

Doesn't help women much either.

[jonbek]

Hey that's my Hunter. You asked for a ride report, and all I can say is, "smooooooooth." The bike replaced my aluminum Giant for cross, and while its a little heavier—due to the brakes mostly—the bike is a knife. I asked for a tight wheelbase race geo with his ultra light tubing set and that's what I got. It turns, it handles, it stops, and it does it all with little rider fatigue. I feel faster, and more confident, regardless of whether or not the "faster" part is true. I want an identical one with cantis and standard head tube now.

I got the curved tube because I just didn't think I could order a bike from Santa Cruz and Hunter without it. It seems so "Signature" to me.

I'm off to get fitted in a few weeks at Whole Athlete and I'll put the results or changes in the photo thread then.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by William

How do you feel about curved tubed frames?

Like them if the curves are gradual and blend into the design. And particularly if the curves are both for aesthetics and also serve a function.

[rePhil]

Garro does them:

http://www.coconinocycles.com/Gallery.php

[William]

Originally Posted by jr59

Townie!!!

Something about like this;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/retrote...es/4541618133/

Nice! Are you planning on going IGH as well?


William