Time Trial Top Tube length?

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2008-06-28 3:45 AM

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Veteran
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Derry, NH
Subject: Time Trial Top Tube length?
Typically how much shorter is the top tube length of a time trial bike compared to what you would normally use for a road bike? I ride a 54cm top tube on my road bike right now, if I get a time trial bike with a seat tube angle of like 74-75 degrees and say a 250mm length bar extenders and a 100mm stem?, would I be looking for a 53cm top tube or do I need to go smaller like a 52cm top tube? Would I want to go shorter than that?

2008-06-28 9:18 AM
in reply to: #1495945

Master
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portland, or
Subject: RE: Time Trial Top Tube length?
I discussed this with the frame builder who built my yaqui TT bike. He told me that if he were building both a custom tri and road bike for the same person, the top-tube lengths would be identical.

scott
2008-06-28 11:46 AM
in reply to: #1495945

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Master
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Harvard, Illinois
Subject: RE: Time Trial Top Tube length?
My top tube is longer on my TT bike than my road bikes.
2008-06-28 12:17 PM
in reply to: #1496214

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Elite
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Armpit of Ontario
Subject: RE: Time Trial Top Tube length?

I have no evidence or authority, but have heard anecdotally that you generally size down one size, or approx 2cm when going from a road to a tri configuration. On a personal note, I have a Giant road bike in a size medium, which I was riding set up with an effective top tube length of 53.5cm, and my current tri bike is a 51cm with an equivalent top tube of 50.5cm.  I think some will have to do with your own flexibility/comfort, as you can go tighter and more agressive with your position on a shorter top tube, if you have the flexibility to do so.

 

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