A recently published patent details a 'strut' joining the seat tube and down tube together to aid ride comfort
(Image credit: Specialized)
Specialized recently published a patent outlining a new and pretty radical-looking frame design which has been analysed by Wheelbased. The frame design incorporates what they call a 'strut' and sees a section of the lower seat tube removed.
Specialized has a history of design innovation. Some memorable examples from the last decade or so include early iterations of the Shiv time trial bike which used an integrated nose cone and was banned by the UCI. The now discontinued Venge aero road bike also showcased a dramatic departure from previously accepted road bike design, while more recently the new Diverge STR has featured the brand's Future Shock suspension technology on both the front and rear of the bike.
This patent has not been granted yet and was published on the second of January 2023, though it was filed on the 12th of July 2021.
Deciphering the lengthy and complex jargon laid out in the patent, it seems Specialized believes that removing the lower portion of the seat tube and incorporating a 'strut brace' to join the seat tube and down tube together can increase deflection with the goal of improving ride comfort with compromising the ride quality.
"As reflected in the test results, the main frame 18 produced 172% greater vertical deflection and 75% greater horizontal deflection at the seat during the vertical stiffness test compared to the conventional frame. By increasing the vertical deflection at a greater rate than the horizontal deflection, ride comfort is increased without substantially increasing the rearward saddle tilt.
"The horizontal stiffness test showed a decrease of 24% in the horizontal deflection for the main frame 18 compared to the conventional frame, which does not substantially impact the ride characteristics (e.g., handling, force transfer, etc.), but it provides evidence that the frame design works well to handle the loads/stresses applied during the horizontal stiffness test, which is believed to correlate to real-world riding."
A look from the non drive side highlights the radical design, bottle cage mounts are still incorporated though. (Image credit: Specialized)
Alternate frame designs that move away from the traditional 'double diamond' model are not uncommon and every so often a radical new design will crop up.
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This frame may never make it to market, but if it does, it seems logical this design would be used on a gravel or endurance-focused frame rather than a road race bike.
We would speculate that perhaps this was an idea that was explored alongside the new rear FutureShock design whilst Specialized was developing the Diverge STR. One thing is for sure though, if it materialises, you won't be able to run more than a single chainring up front.
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
