What does semi-compact geometry mean

Valdora’s semi compact geometry has a decreasing sloping top tube as the frames increase in size.  This is advantageous in several ways.  It takes stand over height out of the equation for most, leads to a stiffer and stronger frame, and a lighter frame.

What are the characteristics of Valdora’s TT/Tri specific geometry

Valdora TT/Tri geometry is different in a number of ways.  It was the first semi-compact triathlon specific geometry ever.  The first frames were released under our brother brand called bpStealth but the model name was the same AC-Tri.  That was back in 2000.  The seat tube angle is 76 degrees and the head tubes are approximately 2 cm taller than many other tt/tri frames.

What are the advantages to Valdora TT/Tri geometry

Since Valdora frames are semi-compact, they are fairly easy to size.  Being able to stand over the frame is not an issue.  This might effect someone who needs a 54 cm top tube but doesn’t have a tall enough inseam to comfortably stand over a standard 54 cm frame with a horizontal top tube.  The semi compact design inherently makes the frame stiffer and stronger and since less material is required, it also makes it lighter.   The 76 degree seat tube angle makes it easy enough to move the saddle fore or aft along the rails to achieve effective seat tube angles from 74 – 78 degrees.  The taller head tubes on Valdora TT/Tri frames translate to requiring fewer spacers between the stem and the headset, increased stability and handling when descending, thus increased safety.  In general, forks with carbon steer tubes should not have more than 4 cm of spacers between the headset and stem for sake of safety.  That’s one of the reasons there are some high end tt/tri frames that have forks with alloy crowns and steerers weighing almost 200 g more than the fork delivered with the PHX.  One more  advantage to this geometry is that Valdora TT/Tri frames can climb.  Triathlons are run on all types of courses these days.  Being able to climb effectively and efficiently and then being able to get extremely aero on the hills and flats is a huge advantage.