Thinking about buying a Specialized Ruby Comp

[Kathi]

Years ago, mid nineties, the trend was to shorten the tt on small mtn bike frames but not to change the seat tube angle. When Cannondale came out with the Compact frame (1st WSD frame on 650c wheels) they decided to steepen the seat tube, as well as shorten the tt and change the head tube angle.

So I wonder if Rivendell stayed with the shorter tt, slacker seat tube for a reason or if the design worked for them and they never changed it?

Many small mtn bikes have the slacker seat tube angles and in 04 I had a hard time finding one to fit because I need the steeper seat tube. I think that why so many small women like the Titus mtn bikes.