Jerry Moos wrote:
>
> My point was that a frame with excessive flex would have less stable and
> less predictable handling and might be harder to keeep upright in
> unfavorable road condition. I feel less confident of the Teledyne's
> handling on the gravel roads in this area because it has noticeably greater
> frame flex. I suspect the Speedwell, with what appear to be smaller OD
> tubes than the Titan, would probably have even more flex. While one wants
> some absorption of shock on rough roads, I'd think a large amount of lateral
> flex in a frame woud make it more difficult to control on rough or wet
> roads.
Frames with lots of flex do not exhibit less predictable handling; you adapt to the frames handling characteristics and you ride within those capabilities, just as you adapt to wet roads that are slick or wet brakes that take a longer distance to stop.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California