Curved Seat-Stays and Vibration/Shock absorption

I'm wondering if curvy seat-stays really absorb any more road vibration versus straight seat stays
of the same material?

A few bike makers claim they do whiles others of course say there is no difference. I know the main
triangle doesn't flex much vertically but with those curvy seat stays like on litespeeds, sevens,
merlins do they bend a little more since the curve exposes them to more bending forces and allow a
slightly smoother ride?

Thanks

--
Using M2, Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/

 

Oh, yes, and don't believe the earlier posts you might find on this question by self-styled experts
such as Jobst and Sheldon and Peter and Andy and Mike. They don't know nothin' 'bout bikes. Listen
to the marketing - vertical compliance like a lazy-boy combined with lateral immoveability is only a
second mortgage away.

Seriously, I think the only bike with curved seat stays that make any difference is the Serotta Hors
Categorie, which actually has some sort of shock in the stay.

App

Alpine Rider <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
> I'm wondering if curvy seat-stays really absorb any more road vibration versus straight seat stays
> of the same material?
>
> A few bike makers claim they do whiles others of course say there is no difference. I know the
> main triangle doesn't flex much vertically but with those curvy seat stays like on litespeeds,
> sevens, merlins do they bend a little more since the curve exposes them to more bending forces and
> allow a slightly smoother ride?
>
> Thanks

 

> I'm wondering if curvy seat-stays really absorb any more road vibration versus straight seat stays
> of the same material?

If they work like a fork, I doubt it; TREK switched from curved to straight-bladed forks, kept the
offset exactly the same, and I can't tell any difference whatsoever (I was, I'll admit, expecting
them to be stiffer, just 'cuz). Somebody might claim that a fork is different (from a seat stay)
because it's not held in place at the far end?

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

 

I switched from a Cannondale CAAD2 road frame, which had straight seat stays to a Cannondale CAAD4
road frame, which has curved seat stays. I cannot discern any difference in comfort between the two
bikes. The CAAD4 is much stiffer in the bottom bracket area and is a bit lighter. I definitely can
feel those differences when pedalling.

I think you'll have an easier time controlling shock absorbtion with your tires. I ran Vredestein
Fortezza Tri Comps at 145psi. That was absolutely brutal. Went back to my old Michelin Axial pros at
110-115psi and was very comfortable.

Claude