“More frame is better” - or not? If you have your predetermined pad stack and pad reach, and fall betweeen two sizes on a given bike model, would you go for a smaller frame with more spacers and longer stem, or bigger frame with less spacers and a shorter stem?
Assumptions:
all other things being equal - you can achieve the same seat angle on both frames, and the same base bar/extensions set-up is being used.
frame weight is no issue in this specific case
you are not planning to change to a lower front position in the future
For example:
25 mm of spacers and 120 mm stem on a smaller frame, or
5 mm of spacers and 100 mm stem on a bigger frame.
Any pros and cons, for both cases, would be much appreciated.
yep, more frame will tend to be stiffer, lighter, and more aero. Though the differences will tend to be very very small for all 3.
Don’t forget to consider the reach though, too weird of a stem length can make handling weird. In the scenario you described above though, definitely the larger frame.
The less spacers you have, the stiffer the front end tend to feel.
Thank you! It’s a very precise description of how it felt…
And I do remember that post (at least the title…). The problem is, back in 2010 I didn’t pay much attention to things like that. Thanks for the reminder!
The answer should depend mainly on the bike frame you are using and aerobar set up you are using. Are you using steer tube spacers or risers on the aerobar brackets? Having a stem slammed and using bracket risers will be more aero than steer tube spacers. We have found in our tunnel testing that a aerobar mounted with bracket risers produces less drag than an aerobar mounted with no bracket risers so a taller frame with the stem slammed and aerobar brackets with no spacers will produce more drag than a small frame with bracket risers making up for the extra stack you need.
PM me the armrest stack and reach you need and frame stack and reach for both frames and I can help you find the optimum aerobar and stem set up.
Are you already committed to a specific aerobar/basebar?
The answer should depend mainly on the bike frame you are using and aerobar set up you are using. Are you using steer tube spacers or risers on the aerobar brackets? Having a stem slammed and using bracket risers will be more aero than steer tube spacers. We have found in our tunnel testing that a aerobar mounted with bracket risers produces less drag than an aerobar mounted with no bracket risers so a taller frame with the stem slammed and aerobar brackets with no spacers will produce more drag than a small frame with bracket risers making up for the extra stack you need.
PM me the armrest stack and reach you need and frame stack and reach for both frames and I can help you find the optimum aerobar and stem set up.
Are you already committed to a specific aerobar/basebar?
In addition to those great points, which have also been detailed by others on ST (Pads closer to basebar producing more drag), I like to have my basebar as low as possible and then stack my pads with aero spacers. So always opt for the smaller frame when in between sizes.
The argument about opting for the larger frame “because its more aero” is a bit archaic considering modern aerobars and integrated front ends. No one should be running steerer spacers on a standard front end. I’d say if you are, you’re on the wrong size frame or wrong aerobar.
120mm of stem is a huge stem on a tri bike. fine for a road bike, 100mm stem much better on a tri bike, unless you’re 6’8" and you ride a 65cm bike.
Any advice on how I can add extra 10" in the next few months? otherwise I’ll need to sell that brand-new 120 mm stem…
But, on a serious note, yes, I understand your point - and 120 just didn’t feel right for me when riding in aero. Your post is probably going to influence my final decision more that all other logic.
In addition to those great points, which have also been detailed by others on ST (Pads closer to basebar producing more drag), I like to have my basebar as low as possible and then stack my pads with aero spacers. So always opt for the smaller frame when in between sizes.
The argument about opting for the larger frame “because its more aero” is a bit archaic considering modern aerobars and integrated front ends. No one should be running steerer spacers on a standard front end. I’d say if you are, you’re on the wrong size frame or wrong aerobar.
Interesting points, never thought about this before. Actually, I was under the impression that it’s other way around - the closer pads are to basebar, the less drag you have… good info, thank you.