How do seat and head tube angle affect performance/handling?

Frodo1095
Frodo1095 Posts: 252
edited June 2010 in MTB beginners
Can anyone explain to me how seat and head tube angles along with wheelbase affect performance / handling ?
i.e is one particular style better for cornering or control etc.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
2015 Ritchey Swiss Cross Disc
2013 Santa Cruz Highball AL

Comments

  • Tom Barton
    Tom Barton Posts: 516
    In as simple a way as possible - obviously most bikes aim achieve the best compromises with DH bikes and XC race bikes being at the respective extremes (Although wheelbases go down to the preferance of the pro riders and the companies on what they think is the best way to approach a course). This is probably guilty of generlisation but it gives you an idea..
    .
    Wheelbase:

    Long = Stable at higher speeds, bigger turning circle
    Shorter = Better technical abilities (turning), less stable at speed

    Head tube:

    Slacker (pointing back towards rider away from 90 degrees) - better downhill control, harder to pedal uphill
    Steeper (nearer 90 degrees): Better uphill / xc attributes

    Seattube:

    Slacker: More comfortable stance
    Steeper: More aggressive stance
    Lapierre Spicy 516 XTR custom (2013) -http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12932332

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