Change in geometry - would I notice?

mrjam
mrjam Posts: 7
edited October 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi all. First post, value any opinions. I'm currently riding a Sabbath September. It's a nice compact frame marketed as audax/sportive, with mudguard clearance and even mountings for a light pannier (never been used). That all means that geometry is quite relaxed at head tube and seat tube, and also a slightly longer wheelbase and of course stays that can take a pannier.

I'm doing a week's riding in the Pyrenees next year, and am wondering whether I'd notice any difference on the climbs with a frame that's got more aggressive geometry? Or perhaps it's just that the grass is always greener and I've been reading too many cycling mags! Thoughts welcome, cheers!

Comments

  • ju5t1n
    ju5t1n Posts: 2,028
    Would you notice the difference? Probably not. But if you've got the money you should upgrade. It's the law :)
  • JamesB
    JamesB Posts: 1,184
    For what it `s worth....I`ve ridden coast 2 coast 2x in Pyrenees on first time a van nic 73 deg Ti frame and second time a 73 / 74 carbon frame. There were weight differences of about 2 lb and I`d reckon that overall teh carbon frame was marginally quicker; however IMO I would attribute any extra speed probably to a more stiff bootom bracket of teh carbon frame giving a slightly improved power transmission when climbing.

    IMO unless you are racing it differences in geometry will make minimal difference to speed, but may do to comfort.
    In a few weeks I`ll be able to confirmm this as my 73 / 73 frame hands over to a 71.5 / 72 one...... :D
  • Matt_as
    Matt_as Posts: 84
    The bike you have got sounds ideal for that kind of riding. Unless of course you are planning on nailing it all the way as fast as you can. Then maybe a full on race geometry ultra light bike will be better but over a weeks long hard riding you will be more comfortable on the bike you have now. If you are only thinking of getting a different bike purely because you don't think you current bike is right for that ride then there is no need. If you want a full on race bike anyway then get one and then if you would also keep the other bike, make the decision yourself which you would rather ride on a week long tour. You may find you would still rather ride the Sabbath.
  • mrjam
    mrjam Posts: 7
    Thanks guys. Sounds like sticking with what I'm already riding is best option then...
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    You would feel a difference going from a laid back geometry to a racier frame, nothing you can't get used to, of course. Every frame type feels different, including two frames of the same size. Its not all about weight either.

    Its a very individual thing of course, just depends how discerning you are.
  • the_cyclist_of_catan
    the_cyclist_of_catan Posts: 354
    I've just bought a September, replacing a Giant TCR road bike, and I've found that I climb faster on the September. It's probably just down to the fact that it's a new bike, but as its a lot more comfy it feels like I can drive it harder for longer. The Sabbath's probably a pound or two heavier than the old bike, but fits me properly.

    It sounds like an exercise in n+1 thinking to me.
    They use their cars as shopping baskets; they use their cars as overcoats.
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    To the OP...

    Is it the truly the 'change of geometry' you mean as in:
    1. Different bike Geometry but EXACT same riding position ....OR....
    2. Different bike Geometry and CHANGED riding position to 'follow the direction the geometry has changed', particularly if you change reach and HB height

    Without knowing that its all irrelevant... and if its 2, then you're talking:
    1. Different Bike (all bikes feel a bit --> 'a lot' different)
    2. Different Position (feels TOTALLY different)
    ...radical changes.

    (...but... I think you'll notice a big difference if you did buy something else and its fitted right)
  • mrjam
    mrjam Posts: 7
    The Cyclist of Catan wrote:
    I've just bought a September, replacing a Giant TCR road bike, and I've found that I climb faster on the September. It's probably just down to the fact that it's a new bike, but as its a lot more comfy it feels like I can drive it harder for longer. The Sabbath's probably a pound or two heavier than the old bike, but fits me properly.

    It sounds like an exercise in n+1 thinking to me.

    Interesting comparison. Think I'll stick with the Sabbath and enjoy the ride!

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