That double top tube does serve a purpose and it really depends on how you load your bike and how heavy or light the rider is. I for one would prefer the double top tube because of aesthetics, novelty and function. True it doesn't fit most peoples idea of how a frame should look and it might appear to some to be unnecessary or too heavy ( a few ounces) for a road bike but it does stiffen the frame a bit and would appear to improve resistance to buckling in a front end collision causing the fork to bend first. I wouldn't buy the Soma/ Amos regardless but I do like the look of the Waterford Sam Hillborne. If double top tube frames were available as an option on other models (Simple One) it would make it more appealing to me also.....but I am biased toward a sturdier frame since I weigh over 200 pounds and find some lighter constructed frames are a bit "noodley " especially with a loaded rack or any bags for that matter.
On Apr 17, 11:02 am, zybariver <gwal...@gmail.com> wrote: > I've got to agree, the "undertube" on a roadbike is silly, and smacks > of fashion over function. > > I was considering this frame, but color me gone. > > Greg > > On Apr 17, 7:13 am, Eric Daume <ericda...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > I haven't seen any mention of the Soma/Amos update on the Riv page: > > >http://www.rivbike.com/blogs/knothole_post/349 > > > I was disappointed to hear this about the second top tube: > > > *It is an "expanded" frame, meaning the top tube slopes up 6-degrees to > > assure good comfy highish handlebars even if you buy a bit too small. The > > first three sizes coming---by late May, we're told, but we are out of that > > loop---will be 54, 59, and 63. The two bigger have an undertube (second top > > tube), and the 54 won't. The other sizes are 47 and 51, and they'll come > > later and will fit 650B wheels.* > > > I've been kind of debating this bike vs. the Rawland Nordavinden (if that > > one ever happens...), but, I'm sorry, I find this whole second top tube > > thing just silly, especially on a sporty road bike. No thanks. > > > Eric > > Dublin, OH -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
