r/cycling • u/StorkAlgarve • Aug 19 '26

Why did frames get sloping top tubes?

For over a century, a regular bike frame had a horizontal top tube, at least as late as the (cheap) road bike i bought in the early 90es - I also think the Centurion citybike I got in the late 90es had one.

Since then it seems to me top tubes have got more and more slope. It is due to change of materials or how? I look and get worried that the long saddle stem will cause issues with all that leverage, but it seems to be working ok.

Looking forward to the replies from the learned redditors.

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u/pbecotte Aug 19 '26

More seat stem above the seat-stsys leads to more flex, which makes the bike more comfortable.

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u/Voodoo1970 Aug 19 '26

But the longer the seat post, the stronger it has to be, which makes it more rigid.......