The height differential on the camelback top tube was 2"-3". I suspect the original reason was to permit the use of a 28" wheel on a smaller frame. Average male heights have increased quite a bit over the 20th century. CCM's smallest men's frame was 19" at the seat tube, which to-day would be considered a youth's frame. However, a 19" frame with a horizontal top tube would not have sufficent head tube length to accomodate a tall, 28" front wheel, which rolled easier over the rougher roads of the era.
It would also have a couple of extra benefits. First, the larger frame would be slightly more compliant, adding to the comfort factor. Second, the frame could fit a rider with greater height variations, meaning the bicycle would last longer for a growing owner and was a more practical hand-me-down.
Finally, the aesthetic component must not be dimissed. It was a time when larger and heavier carried a lot of relevance and were associated with durability and quality, due to the less advanced metallurgy of the day.
That was an interesting question. I guess they are making the slanted (higher front and lower at the back) top tubes for similar reasons nowaday. Was the double top tube a way to make the frame sturdier or a fashion mark?
Hi, can you put more informations about what you want ?. thanks very much.
Sorry, I'm not sure if I understand..
The height differential on the camelback top tube was 2"-3". I suspect the original reason was to permit the use of a 28" wheel on a smaller frame. Average male heights have increased quite a bit over the 20th century. CCM's smallest men's frame was 19" at the seat tube, which to-day would be considered a youth's frame. However, a 19" frame with a horizontal top tube would not have sufficent head tube length to accomodate a tall, 28" front wheel, which rolled easier over the rougher roads of the era.
It would also have a couple of extra benefits. First, the larger frame would be slightly more compliant, adding to the comfort factor. Second, the frame could fit a rider with greater height variations, meaning the bicycle would last longer for a growing owner and was a more practical hand-me-down.
Finally, the aesthetic component must not be dimissed. It was a time when larger and heavier carried a lot of relevance and were associated with durability and quality, due to the less advanced metallurgy of the day.
Well, I don't know really . May be someone else can reply you . Have a great day Lawrence
thanks T mar, that was interesting.
.Do you know any other interesting things about that frame?
That was an interesting question. I guess they are making the slanted (higher front and lower at the back) top tubes for similar reasons nowaday. Was the double top tube a way to make the frame sturdier or a fashion mark?