Amen, brother! Back in my racing days, I rode a (2nd generation?) C'dale "criterium" bike for a couple of years. Felt very light, responsive and stiff, but I was on a first name basis on every ripple in the pavement. Switched to a steel frame (Eisentraut Rainbow) with almost identical geometry, which kept the snappy feel in terms of acceleration and handling, but took the edge off road irregularities. Like switching from a pickup truck to a european sports sedan. The really interesting thing is that the 'Traut climbed just as fast (subjectively, anyway) despite being a full pound heavier. I'd still be riding it if not for some yoyo in a pickup truck making an "improper right turn". )-;
Scott Peterson
Bend, OR
> -- gpvb1@comcast.net wrote:
>
> > Uh, a frame's vertical compliance doesn't matter in your opinion?
> > Ever ride of of them early Cannondale things? They will pound you
> > into a pulp, IMO, over long distances. Way too stiff vertically.
>
>
> i did ride one of those beer cans, and it was punishing. what i don't
> know is whether that was a function of the vertical stiffidity :) or
> lack or vibration dampening properties. i think i remember feeling
> every ripple in the asphalt, no matter how miniscule - every road felt
> like washboard to some degree. it could have been a combination of both
> things of course.
>
> ray dobbins
> miami florida