Smarty responds:
<If compact is a way for manufacturers to reduce the # of sizes, then why does a company like Specialized for example make the S Works road frame in a compact design in a multitude of sizes including 1 cm increments?
Companies like Serotta, Spectrum, Strong, Seven, Moots, Parlee all make custom bikes with sloping toptube options so the argument or reasoning that it is simply used by manufacturers to reduce the number of sizes available seems to hold little to no water.>
I believe the *original* intent of compact frames were for mfrs to reduce the # of sizes. I'm not sure, but I believe Giant was one of the first to come out with compact frames and they were offered in very limited sizes.
However, the concept of "compact" frames as a design choice has been adopted now as the *standard*, and currently used by the pro teams, and thus, has now become more of a trend/fad. Therefore, most mfrs now offer this design.
It should be noted that not all mfrs have adopted the compact design. For instance, the "most successful" pro team currently riding the Tour does NOT use or offer a compact frame.
Like 1" headtube, I know that's another issue, Calfee has given good reason why he doesn't offer it. Personally, I agree with his decisions.....
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