What is the top tube on a road bike?
What is the top tube on a road bike?
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.
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.
Does effective top tube length matter?
The actual length of a sloping top tube will always be shorter than the corresponding horizontal distance. 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.
Is bike size based on top tube length?
Anatomy of the bicycle frame Use the diagram below to help you identify the different tubes used on the frame of a road bike. Seat tube length is often used to denote size, but top tube length is the more important number for establishing the right fit.
What is top tube effective?
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. Effective (TT Center): The length of an “imaginary” level tube extending from the center of the seat tube axis to the point where the top tube intersects the center of the head tube.
What length top tube should I get?
You will notice that we have only included effective top tube length in the sizing chart above, and have not included the t-shirt style sizing employed by some brands….So what does this all mean?
| How tall are you? | Bike size | |
|---|---|---|
| Centemetres | Feet and inches | Effective top tube length |
| 148 to 152cm | 4ft 10in to 5ft 2in | 47 to 48cm |
Which is more important stack or reach?
reach is more important, because you will have to compromise less on stem length to dial in fit, but if your goal is less spacers for your current fit, then you’ll want to maximize stack.
What size road bike do I need for my height?
Road bike size chart
| Height (inches) | Height (cm) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’3″ | 148 – 160 | 46-50 (Extra Small) |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ | 160 – 165 | 50 – 52 (Small) |
| 5’5″ – 5’7″ | 160 – 165 | 52 – 54 (Small – Medium) |
| 5’7″ – 5’9″ | 170 – 175 | 54 – 56 (Medium) |