“For example, take three pairs of jeans from different brands into a changing room and it is likely that one pair will suit you better than the other two. “It’s rare that any two manufacturers will design and build their frames in line with each other’s’ geometries,” he says. Confused? Spurrier explains with a clearer analogy. While basic measurements like toptube and headtube length give an indication of how a bike will fit you, they can’t be taken in isolation as an absolute indicator of whether a certain frame in a certain size will actually work for you. Should you just focus on these measurements, then? The angle of the seat tube obviously has a knock-on effect on this, because it dictates how far back the seatpost will naturally sit. “As part of a bike fit, you will get a measurement from the centre of the bars or stem, back to the nose of the saddle, which will tell you how far forward or backward you need your saddle to be positioned atop the seat post.” “The angle, however, will determine the positions you are able to achieve with the saddle and, therefore, will affect the reach.” “Because saddle height is largely adjustable, seattube length is not as relevant as you would imagine,” claims Spurrier. A 55cm Condor Leggero race bike, for example, has a stack of 560mm and a reach of 395mm, while the Condor Fratello, which is pitched as an all-rounder, has a stack of 570mm and a reach of 386mm. For example, not all 56cm frames fit the same way, so this needs to be taken into account.” Stack and reach are the most consistent indicators of a bike’s fit, he says, and it’s for this reason that most bike manufacturers now include stack and reach on a geometry table.Īs a general rule, a race bike will have a low stack and long reach, while a bike with a more relaxed geometry will have a higher stack height and shorter reach. Coates adds: “This is also the easiest way to compare different frame manufacturers sizing. If you know your fit information, stack and reach will be the most important numbers in getting the right size bike. Take a look at Mason Cycles’ geometry table further down the page. Stack is the vertical distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top (and middle point) of the headtube, while reach refers to the horizontal distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the same point of the headtube. Headtube length influences reach (below), though handlebar height can be further adjusted according to the length of the steerer tube, which can have spacers fitted above the headtube to raise the handlebar. Endurance or touring bikes will generally have a taller headtube, to allow for a more upright position, while race bikes will typically have a shorter headtube, for a more aggressive fit. “This is a vertical measurement of the tube at the front of the frame, and is one of the key factors in determining whether the frame you are looking at will be able to achieve a suitable handlebar height ,” Spurrier says. This is a key factor in determining the reach, which you can read about in point three. “This measurement will give an indication of the length of the frame and allow you to calculate what length stem you might need to pair with it,” says Spurrier. In speaking to both Coates and Spurrier, it’s clear there are a few standout measurements you should pay attention to and keep in mind when reading a geometry chart and how the measurements will impact on fit: ![]() What key measurements will indicate a good fit? “A specialist bike fit will often involve further investigation into any biomechanical issues you may have, and any long-term injuries or weaknesses, which will also have an effect on the measurements you’re looking for.” “At the very least, you will learn where your saddle and handlebars should be positioned, as well as understand ideal width of bar and crank length,“ he says. However, as Spurrier explains, a geometry chart is only truly useful in determining whether a frame is the right size for you if you know your individual measurements – which he says are best arrived at through a bike fit. Learning how to understand those numbers will help you choose the right bike for your needs, he says.Īs a result, understanding a geometry chart will help put you in the right ball park to determine whether a particular model of bike is suited to be your needs, whether that’s the fit (do you want an aggressive, racy position or a more relaxed, endurace-style position?) or the handling. “I say ‘can be’ because, for many people, the geometry chart doesn’t tell them anything other than how sizes or models have different numbers,” says Coates. How useful is a bike geometry chart when choosing a bike?Ī bike geometry chart can be useful in a number of ways, including ascertaining your most suitable frame size, complete bike fit, component compatibility and handling characteristics of the bike – if you know how to read the information, Coates says.
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