I don't know. My saddle is pointing up a bit (although usually not 30 degrees), as otherwise, my sitbones hurt. With the bars at a reasonable height (1-2" below the seat), it is very comfortable. Of course, it wouldn't work on a current racing bike with the bars 8" below the saddle! (Which brings me back to the "old bikes work well in their context" thing).
Two data points: - I rode two 600 km brevets non-stop last year on that bike, plus several cross-state races (400-500 km), in addition to the normal riding. - Our second child is about to be born.
That said, the old books do contain a lot of garbage. Ankling is one. Also, I read many times that Cinelli and TTT stems and bars are interchangeable and other nonsense.
Jan Heine, Seattle
>
>I was reading my copy of "Complete Bicycle Book- '72 Buyer's Guide",
>which contains many gems. In fact, the Guide contains a plethora of
>misinformation.
>
>For example, on page 74, is a picture of a saddle mounted on a bicycle
>with the nose pointing up about 30 degrees. The caption: "Properly
>adjusted saddle tilts up at front to split weight distribution equally
>between arms and legs."
>
>Well, something will certainly get split...
>
>There are many such gems. I think this goes a long way toward
>explaining the number of "only ridden once" classic bicycles on eBay.
>
>Louis Schulman
>Tampa, Florida (where it rained this afternoon, ruining my ride)