Explain Geometry

[pooks]

Okay, the coach who taught me geometry never managed that feat, so I'll be more specific.

Is there a dummy's guide to bike geometry? Or easier still, I don't really need to understand it at this point, but when people talk about a bike having great geometry or something, what are they saying?

[Kano]

Pooks, I can't believe you just asked this question!

WHAT TIMING!!!!

I just got home from work, sat for a bit behind a vehicle loaded with bikes -- say my first Specialized Roubaix -- there were others on the rack, one was Cannondale, one was a MTB, don't know for sure about the fourth on the rack. First thought: wow, that Roubaix is pretty! Second thought, hmmm, I wonder about this "geometry" thing and bikes. Heaven knows why geometry came to me, but we must have been thinking together!

Karen in Boise

[pooks]

We're definitely on parallel tracks!

[velogirl]

I almost failed geometry in high school. And I blame my lame pool-shooting skills on the fact that I almost failed geometry. You see, pool is all about angles and lines. And there's your answer!

Different types of bikes have different angles. Time trial bikes have a different degree rake on the fork and seat tube than a road bike. And a cyclocross bike is even more different. The angles will affect handling (among other things). For example, a cyclocross bike isn't set up to corner at high-speed like a road bike. The designs accomodate the demands of the sport.

[Kano]

Pooks, do you suppose it's a "developmental" thing, like babies rolling over at a certain age? My bicycling birthday is april 27 -- got my bike that day, and started riding and learning....

So, this geometry stuff, that's why I either gotta make hugely wide turns or slow way down on my hybrid?

Karen in Boise

[velogirl]

So, this geometry stuff, that's why I either gotta make hugely wide turns or slow way down on my hybrid?

Karen in Boise

Yes and no. I'm skilled at cornering and counter-steering, so I could corner at high speed (and pretty tight) on a hybrid. Not as fast as a road bike, but still pretty darn fast.

So, geometry plays a role, but learning proper technique (and practicing it) plays a role as well.