bought my first fixie (1st pic) a while ago and started seeing people with frames similar to mine but theirs look a lot more agressive and downturned(2nd pic)
This may be a stupid questions and is probably just because the 2nd frame is from a different year or something but im a newbie in this community so please don’t bash my head in.
Thanks
by ichigofrombleach
13 Comments
It has to do with the bike fit mainly and components. People tend to get frames smaller than the average fit, that’s why their stems and seatpost length look aggressive.
In terms of the components it usually depends and is subjective but a lot of people consider deeper rims and/or small spoke count an aggressive look as well (as an example).
Plus points for the stickers and “used” frame condition but again it’s subjective—
longer seatpost is one of the things but the bike in the second pic also seems to have a downwards sloping top tube (you can theoretically acieve that by mounting a 26 inch rim + fork but it would change the geo quite a bit so idk if that would be recommended)
one thing you could try is flipping the stem, as long as it’s still somewhat comfortable that way
Just put up your seatpost a lot as a test and it will look exactly the same
ok first thing: take a photo at the same height and angle as the notyourphoto. Put your bike straight up, not half-assed against the wall, this distorts the perspective. preferably freestanding without objects behind it.
Then, check each angle with the other photo to what is different. As mentioned here already: seatpost up, stem flip (or get one with a different angle and slightly longer), bullhorn align. maybe try dropbars :).
do not recommend a smaller front wheel, it’s just gonna look ridiculous.
the mash in the other photo is a different frame build than yours. compare the angle of tube from seat to bars, with the with tube between back sprocket and front chainraing. Your photo has 100% parallel tubes. the other does not.
Your saddle isn’t level, it’s angled down in a way that makes it parallel to the down sloping top tube. Level your saddle so that its top is parallel to the ground. This will help your riding position. The other bike probably looks more aggressive due to having more exposed seat post, and being photographed from a slightly different angle.
If you can’t raise the saddle more than this, then the frame is simply too big for you to achieve the look you want.
Together with the spacers and positive angled stem the aesthetic you are looking for ain’t there.
That said though, if you care beyond just the aggressive aesthetic then these points are meaningless. If it currently fits good then you’ll be fast. With saddle time and progressive buildup you’ll be able to lower the cockpit stack with time.
If you don’t care for speed or extended aero-tucking then you can go ahead and slam it right now
I have no clue why all the other comments are wrong, but it’s simply that your frame is of a smaller size than the second picture. The top tube slope is in turn not as agressive.
Same case with every other low pro pro frames (famously the Ctrack)
Re-crop your photo and get the axles level.
Dial in some saddle-to-bar drop: get a 71-74° stem on there, chop the chimney, and slam that stem.
Frame too large for you
You took a picture on a hill. Here is the image rotated so the wheels are more or less level with each other
https://imgur.com/gallery/pRLAMWK#7wB4Qsh
Your frame appears to be a small and the other one looks like a medium or a large. I don’t know for certain, but I think the top tube angle on the Histogram is less on the smaller frame sizes. Also, assuming your saddle height is correct and bars are in the right position, it looks like you’ve got a short inseam and reach. Bikes tend to look more aggressive with higher saddles and lower bars. You shouldn’t adjust your seat height just for aesthetics. You could potentially remove the spacers from stem, slam it and cut the excess steerer tube. You could also get a new stem with a negative rise. However, these changes will change your fit significantly. If they don’t work with your physique and flexibility, you’re going to be pretty uncomfortable. I’m all for bikes looking cool, but don’t sacrifice comfort and functionality for aesthetics.
Wrong size for the rider
Maybe ya got a smaller frame?
Shorter seat tube would mean less of a top tube angle.
I tired to find a the frame spec sheet that would have all the geometries for all sizes, but after 5 minutes I gave up.
If you find that spec sheet, you can verify if indeed, you frame size has a less aggressive angle.