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.
Why do road bikes have sloping top tubes?
The reason given by the manufacturers was that by sloping the top tube, and therefore taking standover clearance off the table as a fit element, it was now possible to fit more riders on fewer sized frames. (It did not go unnoticed by the skeptics that it also greatly reduces the inventory burden of the manufacturer.)
What is the sloping top tube?
Sloping top tubes allow frame designers to combine high head tubes and short seat tubes. 4. Sloping top tubes are less aerodynamic, but the overall drag is reduced thanks to the less vertical chainstays.
Are road bikes measured by top tube?
The classic style road bike frame is most commonly found on road, racing, touring, and commuting bikes. The top tube is parallel to the road, giving the frame more stability and support. The frame size is determined by measuring the length of the seat tube, in centimeters.
Why do female bikes have a slanted bar?
Thus, bike makers began making bike models just for women that slanted the top crossbar down so that the women could mount and dismount the bikes without lifting their legs very high. … This tradition has continued to this day, even though most women don’t go around riding bikes in dresses or skirts anymore.
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.
What is sloping bike?
In this respect, among the many variables to be taken into account when choosing a new frame, there is so-called sloping. Sloping is an English term and in cycling refers to the crossbar of the bicycle which is not parallel to the ground, but sloped downwards at the rear.
What is a Mixte bike?
One particular type of step-through frame is called a mixte. … This provides the lower standover height of a step-through frame bicycle with a strong diamond-frame geometry. Mixte (pronounced [mikst]) is a direct appropriation of the French word meaning mixed or unisex.
What seat tube length do I need?
PERFORMANCE ROAD BIKE
| PERFORMANCE ROAD BIKE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Frame Size | 38cm | 56cm |
| Suggested Rider Height | 4’11-5’1 | 5’9-6’1 |
| Top-Tube Length, Horizontal | 516mm | 550mm |
| Seat-Tube Length, B-B Center to mid top tube | 340mm | 520mm |
What are step through bikes?
What is a Step-Through Bike? Step-through bikes are the compromise between the low-step and the step-over frame, which we will discuss shortly. Step-through bikes offer riders the most upright riding position and will also be the easiest for riders to mount and dismount by simply stepping through the curved frame.
What type of aluminum is used in bike frames?
6061 aluminium The 6061 aluminium alloy is traditionally used in the extrusion of tubes for bicycle frames.
How do you measure a bike sloping tube?
Standover-height The distance between the ground and the top tube. If you have a sloping frame, measure at the middle of the top tube. Measure the stand-over height from the middle of the ‘sloping’ top tube.
How do I know my road bike size?
A road bike’s frame size is traditionally calculated by measuring the length of the seat tube, from the top of the tube (where the seat post inserts), to the centre of the front chainring.
Is frame size the same as top tube?
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.
What size bike should I get for my height?
Size Chart For Hybrid / City Bikes
| Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) | Frame Size (Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10-5’1 | 147-155 cm | 14 |
| 5’1-5’5 | 155-165 cm | 15 |
| 5’5-5’9 | 165-175 cm | 16 |
| 5’9-6’0 | 175-183 cm | 17 |
Why are ladies bikes different to men’s?
Because women typically have wider pelvic bones than men, some women’s bikes have shorter and wider saddles, while men’s saddles tend to be narrower. Regardless of their sex, performance riders usually prefer a narrower saddle to give them that extra bit of room for pedalling.
What is the top bar on a bike called?
Handlebar: Is just that a bar with handles. It is the foundation for all of the controls of the bicycle. It is your dashboard. Stem: The stem links the front wheel to the handlebar.
Why are bicycles gendered?
As a way to incorporate practicality into bike building, manufacturers developed frames for both men and women. Traditionally, a frame for a man has a high crossbar between the wheels, whereas women bikes were built with drop down frames. There are two popular reasons for why drop down frames were designed for women.
What is aggressive bike geometry?
Aggressive geometry puts your upper body down lower for aerodynamics and the bikes tend to favor a more twitchy handling traits. Relaxed geometry has you sitting in a more upright position and the bike is setup to feel more stable at speed.
Does seat tube height matter?
Why does it matter? Historically, Seat Tube Length was used to determine the Labeled Size of a bike. … These days, seat tube length is still important in some cases: To understand the lowest position of a saddle, especially important when sizing up to a larger frame or considering a bike with a classic, level top tube.
Does head tube length matter?
Head tube length can give a general idea of how upright a bike is designed to be, but it is not the most important factor of fit since additional stack can be achieved with more steerer tube spacers or a taller stem. Head tube length is shorter on bikes designed to use with a suspension or suspension-corrected fork.
What is a pursuit frame?
The MK Pursuit is the original Low, and is the frame that set the tone for the every other frame we’ve designed and built since: bold and aggressive lines, smooth welds, and fast and responsive geometries. … This frame is fast and looks good doing it.
Are Mixte frames good?
These can be great for anyone who prefers to lower top tube heights and ease when it comes to getting on and off the bike. Back in the day these types of bikes were marketed to women. If you are a adventures lady looking for that one bike for touring and bikepacking. Yes these bikes are a good place to start.
Can a woman ride a man’s bike?
On average, women also have shorter torso lengths, so women’s bike models tend to have shorter reach lengths. That said, another way to view a woman’s bike is that it’s any bike that fits her: That’s why plenty of women can often get a better ride on a man’s bike (aka unisex bike).
What is trapeze bike?
Trapeze. Splitting the difference between traditional and step-through frame designs; trapeze frames offer easier mounting and dismounting coupled with a sportier aesthetic. Compact / Mini Velo. A bit of a wildcard option perhaps, but models with smaller 20 wheels are popular with good cause.
How do I measure my top tube length?
Top Tube Length
- 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. …
- Effective (HT Top): The length of an imaginary level tube extending from the center of the seat tube axis to the top of the head tube.
Should I be able to touch the floor on a bike?
When you turn the pedals, there should be no stretching or reaching, pointing your toe or rocking hips. Trust us, you really shouldn’t be able to touch the floor with both of your feet when you’re sitting on the saddle. This is an all too common myth and will stop you from getting the most out of your bike.