Straight Vs Curved top tube & down tube

[Scoox]

I am considering getting a mod and can't decide between the Echo Mark II, which has straight tubing throughout, and the Neon Bow 2012, which has curved top and down tubes.

My gut tells me that the Echo will be stiffer, because a straight tube is the most efficient way to transfer axial forces, although I prefer the look of the Neon frame.

Has anyone ridden either or both of these frames? Thanx

[Danny00135]

I ride the neon bow stock, because I like the geo..

I can squeeze the top tube and down tube together with one hand...
I've not yet seen a dead one though, but I'm sure I've seen dead echos, but given how much more popular the echo frames are don't go by that..

The headtube is HUGE! so I very much doubt there'll be snappy problems there...

Given the shape it's quite difficult to dent in the BB area, you can't get enough contact because of its shape, but I landed on a rail on mine half way up the DT and it dented :/

The CS and SS tubing is pretty small too, don't know if it's beefy in thickness though :/

The braking is acceptable, feels stiff enough..


I love the bike, but this is what I've found in terms of strength...

[shercofray]

My neon snapped I two my echo didn't. I'd go with the echo.

[customrider-Rhys]

My neon snapped I two my echo didn't. I'd go with the echo.

great review there, truly helpful

[shercofray]

Haha I knew I'd get a reply like that. I was half asleep sorry Up to when I broke the neon was a good frame, but after changing to the echo my riding progressed a lot as the geo was a lot nicer. A

[Scoox]

Thanks for the info guys, it sort of confirms my suspicions that traditional straight-lines geo is stiffer. I have made up my mind and I am going to go with Echo. I can also get a better price on Echo frames here so it's a no-brainer.