Standard or Relaxed Bicycle Geometry

Keith is looking to buy his first road bike and wants some advice on frame angles, what difference will he notice between standard and relaxed frame angles, which should he go for and why?

Question: how does a relaxed geometry frame differ from a standard road bike frame? how will i notice the difference. i am obviously looking to purchase my first road bike.

Keith,
Standard frame angles for a road racing bike are quite up-right, you�ll find the seat tube angle of 74� to 75� or on smaller bike frames possibly as steep as 76�, this gives a very lively ride, the bike will be very responsive and a little bit twitchy, a more relaxed geometry, which will be 73� or maybe less, this gives a softer ride, more predictable and would have a longer wheel base, the distance between the wheels, so as the name says; relaxed.

Most touring bikes are more “laid back”, when they are all loaded up with equipment a relaxed angled bike is a comfortable ride, but can feel a bit dead and can feel like pushing a wheelbarrow. It all depends on what you want from your bike, is it a racing stead or a comfortable seat.

I hope this helps you decide on your first road bike, have fun choosing and building it up.