The advantage of using c-c is that it is neutral with regards to odd tubing diameters, unusual seat cluster designs, and so forth. There are advantages to using both approaches. Measuring to the top of the seat tube gives you an idea of the real lowest saddle height, where using c-c gives you consistency between different frame designs. Of course, now that level top tubes are becoming a rarity, the whole concept is more or less moot.
Bob Schenker Oakland, CA
> Here's a question that relates to framebuilding and history of the
> craft so
> I will beg forgiveness to cross-post to Framebuilders and CR list.
>
> Does anyone have any insight about using c-c vs c-t dimensions for seat
> tubes lengths when describing a frame size. It seems that most Italian
> builders used c-t dimensions. Was there a reason for this vs c-c
> dimensions?
> Did it have to do with the build process itself in some way? Did these
> methods of measure change over time for any reason. Are there any build
> traditions where the top tube is not measured c-c as is the norm now?
>
> Roman Stankus
> Atlanta, Georgia
> USA