There is a question implied in there, but I'm not quite sure what it is. 
 I'll guess at the question:

1.  "If I hypothetically had a frame builder cut the top tube out of my 
Hillborne frame, and replace it with an identical top tube (same diameter, 
wall thickness) that was level, leaving my fit identical, would my bike 
climb better?"

If that's the question, then my answer is: No.  

Stated in the reverse:

2.  "If I hypothetically took a "good climbing bike" with a level top tube, 
and had a frame builder remove the top tube and replace it with an 
identical 6-degree sloping top tube, leaving my fit the same, would that 
bike become a sluggish climber?"

If that's the question, then my answer is: No.  

Guessing at another question:

3.  "I feel my Hillborne is a sluggish climber.  Do you think I'm wrong to 
feel that?"

If that's the question, then my answer is: No, you are entitled to feel 
whatever you want to feel about your bike or anybody's bike.  

Final guess at the question:

4.  "I suspect that the Hillborne is a categorically poor climber, for 
every rider and every possible setup.  I suspect the fatal flaw is the top 
tube slope.  Do you agree?"

If that's the question, then my answer is: No, I do not agree.  Some riders 
(me included) feel that their Hillborne is not a sluggish climber.

and the (really final!) followup:

4.1.  "If my Hillborne is a sluggish climber, and if it's not because of 
the sloping TT, then what should I change to "fix" my Hillborne?"

If that's the question, then my answer is: "it depends.  Let's have a look 
at it"

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito, CA 



On Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 2:29:16 PM UTC-8, John Bokman wrote:
>
> I'm trying to discern if there's any real (not imagined) physical 
> properties of the upsloping top tube on my 2009 Sam that would make it a 
> sluggish climber. I've never cared for the aesthetics of the sloped frame, 
> so I'm thinking it could be in my head. But the truth is, I've always felt 
> the bike is sluggish climbing, and I'm curious what other's think. Granted, 
> tires make a big difference, but regardless of tires and tire pressures 
> (I've used many variants), the result is the same for me: sluggish 
> climbing. Whatever you do, please don't tell me it's the motor!
>
>  
>

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