[Classicrendezvous] Laing stays are an Affectation?

(Example: Framebuilding)

From: <OROBOYZ@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000 09:52:35 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [Classicrendezvous] Laing stays are an Affectation?

<< sachs@erols.com (Harvey M Sachs) wrote:

Personally, I call them an affectation. For your trouble, here's what you get:

--> 2 extra joints to make and finish. --> The joints on the top tube are likely on the thin part of the tube, where most folks would prefer to use silver, but silver doesn't have significant strength except in shear (as in a properly done lug), so it isn't a really bright idea. --> A much more awkward brake cable run. >>

OK Harvey, now you have done it!! You hit all my righteous indignation buttons! I am just kidding, but that extra work and care that these kinds of details require is actually how we place higher values on small production, hand built bikes!

BTW, not only did Fred Hellens' overlapping stays inspire Hetchins, Thanet and GT and others, but Colnago made that early 1980s model called the Equilateral. I like that Equilateral name ...How about using that?

Actually you are technically correct in your points but I think the description "elaboration" is better than "affectation.". Given that description, it makes the feature ("Hellenic" stays?) a more appropriate aspect of a bike like this.

No question that the span of seat stay tubing that runs from the seat tube contact point to the top tube juncture does relatively little in a structural sense.. It just mildly anchors the points of triangulation. BUT that Equilateral stay arrangement, by lowering the angle of the seat stays, actually does have a few arguing points thus far left out... ; - it allows more vertical compliance and therefore a more shock absorbing ride than similar stays in a more vertical arrangement. - The overlapping of the stays at seat tube and top tube limit/stiffen the side to side compliance (albeit to a small degree) making the bike frame climb and sprint with less side to side movement.

I personally have built using this "Hellenic"pattern on a few really big frames with shallow seat angles or frames for heavy riders on the theory that they would best benefit from these subtle attributes. http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/bigdoug1.htm

Dale Brown