S-Bend chain stays?

[Ted]

I've noticed several road frames that have s-bend shaped chain stays.
Is there any purpose to this other that looks?


Ted

[ajames54]

On 23 Jul 2003 11:35:07 -0700, (Ted) wrote:

>I've noticed several road frames that have s-bend shaped chain stays.
>Is there any purpose to this other that looks?
>
>
>Ted

In theory there are two main reasons... it can allow the use of a
narrower BB improving the "Q-factor".
they are also stiffer ... I don't know if that stiffness
translates into anything when the frame is built, but in
isolation they are stiffer.

[Ken]

ajames54 > wrote in
:
> In theory there are two main reasons... it can allow the use of a
> narrower BB improving the "Q-factor".

I don't know if any builders are actually doing that since they need to
preserve the chainline on those fat cassettes people are using now (8-9-10
speed). Curved chainstays will, however, give you more heel clearance if you
like riding pidgeon toed (toes pointing outward from your heels).

[Glhudson1]

>it can allow the use of a
>narrower BB improving the "Q-factor".

could you please name one builder who uses a bb narrower than 68mm? i think
the theory is that they take some vibration out of the ride.

gary

[ajames54]

On 23 Jul 2003 19:48:20 GMT, (Glhudson1) wrote:

>>it can allow the use of a
>>narrower BB improving the "Q-factor".
>
>could you please name one builder who uses a bb narrower than 68mm? i think
>the theory is that they take some vibration out of the ride.
>
>gary
>
spindle not shell.. sheesh.

[Chris Zacho The Wheelman]

I can think of one possible reason. A smooth, sweeping bend in the stays
would alleviate the need for "dimpling" them to make room for the crank
ends.

This would greatly strengthen the tubing.

May you have the wind at your back.
And a really low gear for the hills!
Chris

Chris'Z Corner
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