I recall GP writing an article in one of the Readers a few years back about comparing BB height with the heights of the foot pegs on stilts. ISTR the conclusion was that the bikes with higher BBs tend to "feel" more stable, but the trade-off is reduced precision in the control of where the wheels actually go while riding. With the RBW-preferred low BBs, it may feel a little wobbly (until one gets accustomed), but the benefit is that one can control the pathline of the tire more precisely.
I was doing some low-difficulty offroading this morning on the 2009 version of my winter fixie, which started life as a 1992 Trek 750 Multi-Track. http://www.flickr.com/photos/twowheelflight/3994127395/ I don't have exact BB drop numbers, but a quick measurement reveals the old Trek has its BB center about 12" off the floor, while my Atlantis with the same tires has the BB about 10.5" off the floor. Obviously the high BB makes for good fixed-gear cornering and improved clearances for hopping over obstacles. I took these benefits as a given, and understood that I must be giving up some desirable characteristics of low BBs. The thing is, I think this high BB bike rides GREAT! I have no trouble riding with enough precision to dodge sharp rocks and sticks in the trail. It is one of the easier no-handed bikes I've ridden, too. My Atlantis is probably my most ridden bike in the past 5 years, but I'm not sure I yet understand the appeal of the low BB. Is it more important when the bike is loaded, or when careening down some twisty hill at 40+ mph? Or maybe I've just gotten accustomed to something that is sub-optimal, and if I get back on the Atlantis tomorrow I'll instantly understand the difference? (yes, I understand that BB height isn't the only difference between the two bikes) Any thoughts? --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
