Why do pros like small bikes?

curium

I've seen a number of articles on cyclingnews recently where they review the actual bike ridden by a pro in a big race and it struck me that a number of relatively tall guys are picking small frame sizes and then throwing on a massive stem plus 30mm setback seat post (Phinney) or a having a custom frame made up with a small size but a longer top tube (Sagan, I think).

Is this all about maintaining a low centre of gravity? Is there anyone in the peloton with a standard 60/61/62 frame?

Duncanandthemachine

Shorter head tube, so lower and more aero (and probably stable) front end I think. These guys are more flexible than most of us so can get down low!

Mccaria

You mean a bit like this ?

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/p ... mud-36954/

frenchfighter

They are also lighter.

inkyfingers

Lighter, more aero and also more manoeuvrable.

Rundfahrt

It makes them look bigger. :shock:

Outsider art by Loan

Stiffer too, not that you'd notice.

rick_chasey

Maybe we're riding frames that are too big ? ;-)