Funky Steel Frame Designs

[Canuk]

Early '90s Hopmans "Granchio" frame (seller photo; but my frame).

View attachment 1000386

Note: I personally never understood the reason for a curved top tune. All it does in my opinion is to add weight as I see no aerodynamic or structural value that improves the frame's inherent performance/efficiency.

Can someone with framebuilding knowledge enlighten me as to the benefits other than aesthetics (especially on a track frame)?

A curved top tube is really just for show! A curved seat tube is fairly practical, enabling the wheel to be as tight to the frame as possible and hence a shorter wheelbase.

 

[Canuk]

In France they call them 'cadre plongeant contre la montre'

 

[Canuk]

Dave Lloyd Concept in Team Telekom colours

 

[Frankenorange]

Obree was barely mentioned, and of course Boardman getting all the plaudits.

but Obree has a very good film about himself. Boardmann is way too dull and boring for that.

 

[Canuk]

but Obree has a very good film about himself. Boardmann is way too dull and boring for that.

It's true Obree is the more exciting and charismatic rider, but Boardman was the cycling establishments pick - biggest error British Cycling ever made. Who knows what might have happened had they got beyond 'the bike built out of a washing machine' schtick.

For my money Graeme is still the most influential (on a global scale) cyclist that Britain ever produced. Without him, and the rivalry with Boardman I doubt the confidence, and the Olympic successes of the riders that followed (and the Sky Team) which was born in that early success would ever have happened.

 

[Canuk]

Obree on a slightly more traditional set up.

 

[Nob]

 

[Canuk]

View attachment 1000536

Imitation: the sincerest form of flattery

 

[Canuk]

Always had a soft spot (pardon the terrible pun) for the Allsop Soft ride system. Quite cheap to buy here (500 get you a Shimano DA equipped version. Softride was a manufacturer of bicycles located in Bellingham, Washington. They specialized in bicycles for triathletes. The bicycle frames were distinctive for their lack of seat tubes and seat stays. The idea was to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve ride comfort. The company no longer manufactures bicycles, and focuses on bicycle carriers instead.

 

[bagpuss]

https://flic.kr/p/d4q271

Classic funky. My Sun Manx tt .