Dear Sanedrin,

Current pro tour frames are designed around extremely short wheelbase, higher than 7cm bottom bracket, less than 45mm fork rake and steep angle seat tube.
These parameters characterise bikes which are short and high. On flat stages, most riders use frames which to my eye, resemble time trial frames.

Evidence: Cavendish won stage 5 on July 3rd 2013. He could barely lift his arms from the handlebar to celebrate victory.
Mebbe this is the reason why there are so many crashes in the TDF pack?

My purpose with this thread is twofold:

1: Enquire whether any quantitative study has been published, as opposed to KGB files,
comparing performance of contemporaneous bikes to the ones designed, up to the 90's, by eminent framebuilders.

2: Lacking number 1, gather thoughts and discussion from owners of both types of bikes comparing confort/performance.

If a thread of this kind has already being posted, I apologise in advance, but would appreciate if you could point me in the right direction to read them.

Many thanks to all for your educated comments,
SteelRules

P.S My Columbus SPX frame is a pleasing pack that offers me everything I need and looks like nothing currently made.