To bridge or not to bridge, that's the chainstay question

[Amaro Bikes]

Well, the post title says it all, but...

¿What's your own personal opinion on road frame chainstay bridges?
Absolute must for performance? fatigue risers?

Yes? no? wtf?

talk to me

[e-RICHIE]

Traditionally, they are (were) there for bracing a fender. Then, the multi-use unit morphed in a racing machine (late 1960s and through the 10 speed bicycle boom in the early 1970s). The brace was never questioned as for its being there, unused. Folks say it adds strength. I don't believe it as something that a human being can discern. I got used to the aesthetic element of a lapped bridge on a 22.2mm round stay so my bicycles had them. When I switched to oval stays in the late 1990s, I ceased brazing them in atmo.

[Amaro Bikes]

Seems that, once again, think don't follow applies

Thanks

[Todd Mosley]

My powertap hub can discern no meaningful difference in peak watts on bridgeless bike vs a bike w/ a bridge.

[Pi Guy]

Here is a thread with contributions from eRichie, Curt Goodrich, Dave Anderson, and Frank the Welder:

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum...dge-27065.html

[Amaro Bikes]

Here is a thread with contributions from eRichie, Curt Goodrich, Dave Anderson, and Frank the Welder:

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum...dge-27065.html

Sorry for not having do the homewrok first, lazy me, guilty on all charges.