I’ve been doing a bit of research for my first fixie and have noticed plenty of posts talking about aggressive and lazy frame geometry. So my question is what does this mean exactly? And how does it affect the ride?
Thanks
The terms are referential: aggressive gives an aggressive ride for aggressive cyclists; contra lazy which gives a relaxed ride for more relaxed (and some would say lazy) cyclists. Haha.
No, the reason track frames have a more aggressive geometry is for short, sharp sprints on the velodrome - forcing more power into the back wheel but often forcing the rider into a more uncomfortable position in order to do so. A track bike rides more responsively than a road bike - if you punch, so will the bike.
But correct me if I am wrong forum dwellers. I haven’t actually ridden enough varying geometry frames to know the difference intimately.
Aggressive- Steep fork, twitchy steering etc
Lazy - Long wheel base, relaxed ride. The pics explain better than I can.
Aggressive geometry is usually related to the Seat and Headtube angles, generally, the steeper the angles the more aggressive the setup is. Some people also relate aggressive geometry to tighter clearances between the wheels and the seat/down tubes.
on track bikes, the two usually go together - a super short wheelbase will require tight clearances, and also steeper tubes.
the steeper head tube angle (around 74 degrees, compared to 72.5 on a road bike) comes about because track bikes are designed to be ridden at a much higher average speed, (and more gyroscopic effect on the wheels), so you actually need a steeper steering angle to have precise control of the thing. the drawback is twitchyness at low speeds. the science of head tube angle combined with fork rake and trail is actually quite complex, there’s plenty of threads about that elsewhere.
the steeper seat tube thing comes from wanting the seat further forward for sprinting, and the short wheelbase thing.
in the end it means that
a) track bikes aren’t so easy to handle at low speeds.
b) track bikes are less comfortable for long rides
c) the steeper angles mean your weight is further forward, making skidding easier.
the other extreme is a 70s cruiser bike, or even more a 1920s pathracer, where the angles are much flatter, so that the bumps from the road are translated less directly to your saddle and bars, and the steering is smoother at low speeds.
The choice will depend upon what sort of feel you are after - this may depend upon how much riding you have done in the past, and what you will mainly be using the bike for.
If you aren’t too experienced riding (at all, not just fixed), then probably stay away from aggressive track frames for a while, at least until you are reasonably proficient and getting more excited about riding fixed! I would also say the same if you are looking for a transporter/commuter/everything bike more than just a fun weekend bike.
Also keep in mind that many aggressive track frames aren’t drilled for a brake. If you are starting out and learning fixed and/or you are looking for a commuter/transporter then a front brake is a pretty essential addition.
But, of course, if you are looking for a fun weekend / tricks / hanging out and getting into shit with the crew bike then a brakeless track frame may be what you are looking for.
Thanks for the replies guys, those pics were really handy in explaining it!
I do plenty of riding, mainly mtb and commuting. But the other week I hopped on my mates fixie and loved it hence why I’m looking to get one now. It will be used as a commuter and general cruising around bike so I guess from those explanations I should go for a more relaxed kind of frame. Definitely want something I can ride around comfortably for an hour or 2.
So something like a KHS Flite 100 or a Fuji Track - how would they rate geometry wise?
The geometry for those would be on the manufacturer’s websites. Funny thing is the angles often change quite a bit depending on the size - taller frames have steeper angles I think. Have a look. They’re not going to be crazy steep like an 80’s keirin bike - they’re made for mass appeal.
As you’ll see in the other threads, there’s a million factors to consider before you buy what looks like a simple bike.
In the end it’s just a collection of replaceable parts with two wheels, so getting the right frame is a smart way to start.
don’t forget a good track frame also has toe over hang issues and that lack of rake translates to unstable-ness at high speed when you encounter shitty road conditions
you don’t ride through big potholes
not unless you wana have a face + road event
so true. road and track bikes have evolved differently with good reason. fashion swings a fickle net.
Yip… But I do love my track frame and it will ride it to work in the morning…
I’m just a little mindful of the bumps and pot holes I encounter!
When you back with us my man?
get the cast off on friday, but like i said it’s my last 3 weeks of honours, so i’m trying to cut back on fun things for a bit. sort of.
That’s a good idea!! Doing honours is hard and expensive
my coppi should be rolling by the end of this week
I’ve never heard it explained so simply. Thanks nexus!