How seat tube angle determines bike character

This bike comparison shows how seat tube angle can influence your bike’s purpose in life.

Part of the continuing seat-tube-angle saga.

Hi Lee I write you from Spain (sorry my English).
Currently I have a Ventana el Terremoto, but I have thought about changing to a Morewood Mbuzi. The problem is that morewood is a very short weelbase do not know if I can damage a lot. I use that are maxiavalanches and enduro racing series here in Europe. You think change is good or it will be a frame very similar?
Thanks for everything.

Pau

Hey Pau,

Dude, your English is better than most Americans’. But let’s switch the word “damage” to “rip.”

OK,

In size medium, the Morewood’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches shorter than the Ventana’s.

Overall, these bike have very similar geometry. But they have very different seat tube angles.

The Ventana has a very XC-ish seat tube angle of 73 degrees. This steep angle is considered ideal for climbing.

The Morewood has a more DH-ish seat tube of 70 degrees. This slacker seat angle is considered better for descending. It:

– Moves the top tube back, which shortens the wheelbase. Longer wheelbases tend to be more stable; shorter ones tend to be more agile.

– Moves the saddle back, which feels great on those Super-D/Enduro downhill pedaling sections.

– Brings the handlebars closer to you when you’re in your attack position. This makes the bike feel more nimble in technical sections.

– Better centers your weight between your wheels when you’re in your attack position.

From where I’m sitting, these bikes seem to be designed with different intentions. The Ventana is a big XC bike that can be downhilled. The Morewood is a mini DH bike that can be pedalled.

Both bikes can be hammered uphill and ripped downhill. They serve different styles of riders.

Which style are you?

For reference: Ventana, Morewood

Also read:

How a slacker seat angle shortens your wheelbase

How seat angle affects handlebar location

Why is a slack seat angle so rippable?

Damage it up,

— Lee

Know more. Have more fun!

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