71 - Custom Frame Builder Tom Sturdy

What this episode covers

Endurance Innovation is now on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/enduranceinnovation]! Have a peek at our page and show us some love. * 2:15 meet bike builder Tom Sturdy * 10:30 Dan Empfield's bike anatomy: above and below the 'waist' of the machine [https://www.slowtwitch.com/Gravel/Why_the_Caledonia_s_Geometry_is_Revolutionary_7756.html] * 13:00 not all geometry charts are created equal * 14:15 fit metrics and ride characteristics are not wholly independent of one another so be careful when trusting bike reviews when the reviewer rides a frame of a different size * 15:30 discrepancies are amplified in the smaller frames * 17:30 the key 'below the waist' dimensions: wheelbase, bottom bracket drop, and fork trail * 18:00 wheelbase determines steering response, where a greater steering input is required to turn a bike with a longer wheelbase and vice versa. This effect is very sensitive to changes in wheelbase. Longer bikes therefore tend to be more stable in a straight line. * 23:45 BB drop or BB height dictates tipping stability, so slower bikes like MTB, gravel, cross want a higher BB height (lower drop) for better balancing. Conversely, a faster bike like TT / triathlon is better off with a lower BB height (more drop) for straight line stability.  * 30:45 trail influences the steering feedback. That is, the amount of resistance the bike offers when you try to turn the bars. Rider experience with trail is very subjective.  * 41:45 all of these - and others too! - combine to create a unique ride feel. * 47:00 why custom? * 49:45 why titanium? * 53:30 titanium additive manufacturing (3D printing) in custom bikes offers the ultimate optimization and customization options Find Sturdy Cycles [https://www.sturdycycles.co.uk/] at their website and on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sturdycycles/].