I rode a Cube Acid (29″, 2019) [link] so far, now I switched to a Marin El Roy (M).

Compare these images. The angles (Cube Acid: red lines) are different for the Marin El Roy (yellow lines). I superimposed the red lines in the bottom image for angle comparison.

Front wheel / fork / head angle

The fork / front wheel of the Marin El Roy has a larger trail than the Cube Acid [link]. The stabilizing effect of a larger trail is a result of the so-called “directional effect.” This occurs because the front wheel trails behind its steering axis. The friction of the front wheel on the road causes an automatic alignment of the front wheel to the direction of travel. A bicycle with a steeper head angle and a longer fork rake is less stabilizing but it is easier to handle, so for very sharp turns the Cube Acid here is better. For better straight run stability, as in downhill biking (or steep uphill), the larger trail is nice.

From  [link]: The head tube angle (HTA), also known as head angle or fork angle, is the angle formed between the horizontal plane and the angle at which the bike’s fork sits. This angle generally ranges from 62 degrees (slack) to 73 degrees (steep) on mountain bikes. Cross-country bikes typically feature steeper head angles, while downhill bikes have slacker head angles. A slack head angle positions the front wheel further in front of the headset. The benefits of a slack head angle include better absorption of bumps at higher speeds, increased stability due to a greater distance between the wheels, improved high-speed cornering, and a reduced risk of going over the handlebars. This configuration also instills confidence when riding on steep terrain. However, the drawbacks include slower and less responsive steering, the tendency for the front wheel to “flop” from side to side in tight corners, poorer performance in tight turns, suboptimal riding on flatter terrain, and difficulty climbing as the front wheel tends to wander due to less weight on it. Conversely, a steeper head angle results in a bike that appears more upright, with the front wheel tucked closer under the headset. This setup provides faster handling and better responsiveness, improved cornering in tight terrain with a tighter turning radius, and enhanced performance on flatter terrain, where it “ducks and weaves” more effectively. Additionally, it offers increased climbing performance. However, the downsides include a more unstable and “twitchy” feeling at higher speeds, a higher likelihood of being sent over the handlebars, poorer absorption of bumps at high speeds, and a tendency to get “hung up” on larger bumps. In summary, the head tube angle significantly influences a mountain bike’s handling characteristics, with slack angles favoring stability and confidence on steep and rough terrains, while steep angles offer better responsiveness and performance on flatter and tighter terrains.

Seat angle

The saddle is more towards the bottom bracket / pedals on the Marin El Roy whereas the saddle is more behind the bottom bracket for the Cube Acid bike.

From [link]: The seat angle is the angle of the seat tube relative to the ground. As the name suggests, actual seat angle refers to the lay-back of the seat post, but on modern suspension bikes this is complicated by the seat tube starting forward of the bottom bracket, to accomodate shocks and give rear wheel clearance at full travel. Effective, or virtual seat angle tries to take account of this, and uses a line drawn through the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre of the seat post. It is always steeper than the actual seat angle. The problem is with this measurement is that manufacturers don’t always tell you at which point on the seat post they measure to. Some use the point at which the seat post intersects a horizontal line drawn from the top of the head tube. Others take an average saddle height depending on the size of the frame. We measure all of our test bikes and give you both measurements. And we measure the effective seat angle using the saddle height of the test rider. Modern bikes favour steeper angles that put the saddle directly over the bottom bracket, making pedalling easier and more efficient. Putting your centre of gravity further forward also helps with climbing, making it harder for the front wheel to lift or wander around. An angle in the low 70s is good. Mid-70s is better.

First rides

The Marin El Roy is an extremely sturdy stable feeling superbly great steel chromoly bike. While it is a bit heavier, it feels at least 1 class better.

Modifications

Not done yet, work in progress.