Curved Top tubes

[Banjo]

I read a cycling plus review about an alloy bike with a curved top tube which stated "the curved top tube acts like a leaf spring smoothing out bumpier rides" (wording m,ay not be exact).

This sounds like BS to me. Firstly a large section tube isnt going to flex in that length , if it did I would expect it to crack before long. To my eye any improvement in the bikes looks are lost by the cables being more obvious.

There are a few bikes with curved top tubes that I like and would buy .But probably in spite of rather than because of the top tube.

 

[TheDoctor]

The last thing you want an aluminium tube to do is bend.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Probably gives greater structural integrity than a straight tube allowing for a thinner wall.

But then again, maybe not. I often don't know what I'm talking about.

 

[Davidc]

The last thing you want an aluminium tube to do is bend.

If that one bends so will the down and seat tubes.

On a steel, carbon or titanium frame you'd expect some flexing of the tubes, with aluminium no thanks!

 

[raindog]

"Curved Top tubes Are they just for looks?"

I hope not, because I think they look crap.

They're supposed to be more comfortable, filter road noise out or something.

 

[mickle]

Curved top tubes are a way of connecting the top of the seat tube with the top of the head tube whilst optimising stand-over clearance. or to make a style statement which is more often the case. A non straight tube must be made stronger than an equivalent straight tube to achieve the same structural integrity.

If someone tells you it's to provide 'flex', 'comfort', 'damping' or other such nonsense don't buy a bike from them for they are a idiot.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

It certainly sounds like BS to me.

I read a cycling plus review about an alloy bike with a curved top tube which stated "the curved top tube acts like a leaf spring smoothing out bumpier rides" (wording m,ay not be exact).

This sounds like BS to me. Firstly a large section tube isnt going to flex in that length , if it did I would expect it to crack before long. To my eye any improvement in the bikes looks are lost by the cables being more obvious.

There are a few bikes with curved top tubes that I like and would buy .But probably in spite of rather than because of the top tube.

 

[corshamjim]

I'm rather fond of my curvy tubes (ooh err missus).

I'll admit probably the only thing they contribute to the design is aesthetic, and if anything they add to the weight.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

For some reason I like this one:

 

[david1701]

For some reason I like this one:

isn't that one a mis-mold

 

[phil_hg_uk]

isn't that one a mis-mold

This is mine it was a challenge mounting the pump on the crossbar:

it also has a curvy backend

 

[slowmotion]

For some reason I like this one:

I don't know why, but I would call that "bent" rather than "curved". Kinda cool though.

 

[Banjo]

I am not knocking a curved top tube at all it would neither attract me to or put me off a bike .

Just challenging Cycling pluses assertion that it can in some way soften the ride.

 

[Nebulous]

Well I'm remarkably fond of my Allez - in red - but don't let my prejudices put you off!

 

[Fnaar]

For some reason I like this one:

Are we sure this one hasn't been in an accident?