"--frame builders rule of thumb; thickness of the metal determines strength - diameter of the tubing determines ride quality."
I thought diameter of tubing, at least aluminum tubing, determined strength/stiffness for the weight.
i.e., aluminum frame bikes started out with a wider diameter in the tubes where strength and stiffness mattered.
I agree that the seat tube doesn't matter, although I'm told it doesn't hurt to drop your name and address down there on a piece of paper on the off chance someone steals your bike and you get the chance to prove it's yours. :-)
The technology has progressed substantially. As I recall, some of the innovations in wheel design were considered unfair at first, and they still don't allow recumbents as that would change the sport.
I have a copy of the first edition of this book. Maybe I should look at the newer edition:
Bicycling Science: Third Edition (Paperback)
by David Gordon Wilson
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