A
Appkiller
Guest
So, after a group ride the other day a dude was checking out my ride
and asked if it was stiff. Hell yes it is, especially in the bb. He
looked at my chainstays and commented that the large profile of the
chainstay was responsible for this stiffness. Hmmm. These are
lenticular (Foco) in shape with the long axis in the vertical plane
and not exceptionally wide in the horizontal plane.
I was about to contradict him, but decided not to as it really didn't
matter whether or not he understood bicycle design. AFAIK, the
horizontal width of the chainstay will determine the relative
stiffness of the bb, kinda like the concept behind "bi-ovalized" down
tubes. I would agree the addition of more material in the vertical
plane will add a wee bit of stiffness in the horizontal plane, but not
nearly as much as if the same amount of material was added in the
horizontal plane.
I would also assert that the stiffness in the bb had much more to do
with the advent of the super strong air-hardened steels (thermacrom,
853, S3) than anything else.
Was I smart to not contradict him because:
A. I would have looked like an idiot and the above blather is all
wrong?
-OR-
B. Direct contradiction (even if correct) of an assertion of someone
you just met can alienate them?
Just wondering,
App
and asked if it was stiff. Hell yes it is, especially in the bb. He
looked at my chainstays and commented that the large profile of the
chainstay was responsible for this stiffness. Hmmm. These are
lenticular (Foco) in shape with the long axis in the vertical plane
and not exceptionally wide in the horizontal plane.
I was about to contradict him, but decided not to as it really didn't
matter whether or not he understood bicycle design. AFAIK, the
horizontal width of the chainstay will determine the relative
stiffness of the bb, kinda like the concept behind "bi-ovalized" down
tubes. I would agree the addition of more material in the vertical
plane will add a wee bit of stiffness in the horizontal plane, but not
nearly as much as if the same amount of material was added in the
horizontal plane.
I would also assert that the stiffness in the bb had much more to do
with the advent of the super strong air-hardened steels (thermacrom,
853, S3) than anything else.
Was I smart to not contradict him because:
A. I would have looked like an idiot and the above blather is all
wrong?
-OR-
B. Direct contradiction (even if correct) of an assertion of someone
you just met can alienate them?
Just wondering,
App