Is bike size based on top tube length?

Is bike size based on top tube length?

Anatomy of the bicycle frame Seat tube length is often used to denote size, but top tube length is the more important number for establishing the right fit.

Is top tube length or reach more important?

Reach is more constant. Consider a rider who is 6′ tall with two bikes; both bikes have a listed ETT of 610mm, but they have different seat angles. ETT is always measured in a parallel line to the ground starting at the top of the head tube.

How is a top tube measured?

The top tube is measured horizontally from the top tube / head tube junction to the seat tube. The measurement is referred to as the ‘effective’ top tube as bikes with a sloping top tube would provide inconsistent information.

How does top tube length affect handling?

While the seat tube length doesn’t directly affect the handling of the bike, important measurements for handling and fit, such as reach, must be compared to the seat tube length to define how long the bike is relative to the height of the rider.

How do I know if my bike frame is too small?

You’re likely to notice if a bike frame is too small after you get back from your ride. A smaller bike forces you into a forward position. You may find yourself leaning forward and standing more frequently, which places more weight on your arms. They’ll feel it.

Is top tube length important?

While effective top tube length provides a good idea of the overall length of the frame, it will be influenced by the angle of the seat tube, increasing as the angle gets slacker.

What is effective top tube length?

The effective top tube length is the horizontal distance from the top tube/head tube junction to the seat tube. This measurement has become significant as more and more bikes are designed with sloping top tubes. Effective top tube length is one of three options for defining the length of the front triangle.

What is top tube effective length?

Tweet. The effective top tube length is the horizontal distance from the top tube/head tube junction to the seat tube. This measurement has become significant as more and more bikes are designed with sloping top tubes. Effective top tube length is one of three options for defining the length of the front triangle.

How important is top tube length?

Does effective top tube length matter?

What do I need to know about the top tube?

This includes the effective top tube length, the length of the head tube, the length of the seat tube, and the angle of the seat tube. The height of the bottom bracket can also be important, but not strictly necessary if the stack and reach are provided, while standover height and the front-centre measurement can be considered secondary measures.

What’s the effective top tube length of a bike?

However, the effective top tube length remains constant at 561mm. Since both bikes will place the rider in the same position (given the same overall saddle height), effective top tube length is the more consistent way to compare the two.

Which is better a longer top tube or a shorter top tube?

Where the top tube is horizontal the Effective Top Tube and Actual Top Tube will be identical. A longer top tube has you more stretched out on the bike, all other things being equal. This will give you a racier, more aerodynamic position on a road bike – possibly at the expense of all-day comfort.

How is the length of a top tube measured?

The length of the top tube is commonly measured three ways: Actual (Center-Center): Measured along the length of the top tube from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube. This method of measurement has fallen out of favor in recent years and has largely been replaced by the Effective top tube measurement.