I use an angle gauge similar to the Wixey, and I also have a carpenter's version with a big dial and a weighted needle. You hold it on the top tube, head tube, and seat tube, and record the numbers as carefully as possible. If the frame has a level top tube and your top tube number is not zero, compensate the head tube and seat tube numbers to account for the top tube angle. This will involve addition or subtraction.
On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 12:46 PM, John Betmanis <johnb@oxford.net> wrote:
> Neil Foddering wrote:
>
>> I have tried, without success, to measure the frame angles on my 1930s and
>> 40's bikes; does anyone know whether a purpose-made tool is available to do
>> this (preferably idiot-proof)?
>>
>>
>>
> This is what I use: http://busybeetools.ca/
>
> Wixey also makes a similar gauge for about the same price, available all
> over North America.
>
> http://www.wixey.com/
>
> These gauges are small, 2", will fit the head tube of all but the smallest
> frames, and measure within 1/10th of a degree.
>
> It looks like the Wixey is available in the UK for about the same price.
>
> http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/
>
> --
> John Betmanis Woodstock, Ontario Canada
>
> _______________________________________________
>
--
Ken Freeman
Ann Arbor, MI USA