Explain geometry to me please

houndlegs

Hi folks
I may be looking for a new bike shortly, and I need some advice about geometry. I only ride for pleasure and leisure and as such I'm looking at a relaxed geometry.
Now,I understand relaxed is more upright and comfier, but I don't know how that translates when I'm looking at frame dimensions.
Can someone explain to me what makes a relaxed fame, and what am I looking for when I look at the geometry diagrams.
I've been looking on the ribble website, and like the look of the sportive bianco,the stealth, and the gran fondo. Which(if any) of these are relaxed? I'm not saying Im getting a ribble for definite, so feel free to recommend others, but what I'm most interested in is being able to read the diagrams and figuring out what's relaxed for myself.

Many thanks

Wacky Racer

Nobody on here can tell you what is relaxed for you. You need to try a few bikes out for size, see what feels good for you. We all have different shaped bodies, different length legs, different reach, different torso's, etc. As for geometry, the longer the top tube the more stretched out you are likely to be.

styxd

Relaxed would mean a slightly slacker head angle and a slightly longer head tube I'd say (when compared to a proper "racey frame")

Compare the Specialized Tarmac with the Roubaix, or the Cannondale Super Six with the Synapse. I think that should give you an idea (I think those comparisons should be correct?)

wishitwasallflat

Check out Specialized Sectuer and/or Roubaix models - the geometry is the same on both and is about the most relaxed geometry currently available on drop bar road bikes (AFAIK). Comfort and if that geometry suits you is a completely different issue and as suggested the only way to know how a bike is for you is to test ride it.

PS - The beauty of Specialised is the Concept Stores have bikes for long term test (I had my Sectuer for a week to test before I decided to get one).

Pross

Have a look at the head tube and top tube sizes. I relaxed frame will have a longer head tube and shorter top tube than a race oriented frame e.g. for a Scott Addict the 58cm frame has a 580mm top tube and 180mm head tube whilst the more relaxed CR1 has 575mm top tube and 200mm head tube. Personally I think too much is made of it as at those differences you can easily make changes to the stem length or number of spacers being used. It's more of a marketing gimmick to target the 'sportive' market than anything else IMHO.

houndlegs

Thanks guys
I appreciate trying a bike is the best way forward, I just wanted to understand geometry a bit better to help me narrow things down.
That's a good idea from Specialized where you can try the bikes for a while.
I,ll have a look at the bikes mentioned and see what the difference are.
@ pross, that was the info I was after , it's also a good point about the marketing ploy and the fact I can alter a lot with stem length etc.
I've also had a revelation, I think I,ll measure my current bike and see if I can find something with similar dims.

Many thanks all

MichaelW

Non-race bikes should have more generous tyre clearance. This means longer chainstays and fork blades.
The main issue for leisurely riders using road bikes is the excessive drop from saddle to bars. A tall head-tube means a reduced stack of spacers which looks better and is better for the headset.
Frame angles are rarely a point of issue with modern bikes. You can swap seatposts and stems to make almost anything in the ballpark fit.