Explaining the effects of frame geometries

Asked by: Brandon Tomko

How does bike geometry affect handling?

The higher the bottom-bracket height, the higher the centre of mass of the rider, and so the more the bike tends to pitch when faced with bumps, hard braking or steep gradients. In this sense, a lower bottom bracket improves stability in much the same way as a longer wheelbase.

How does road bike geometry affect ride?

At one extreme are bikes designed for racing. Their geometry will typically give you more edgy handling for a ride that’s more responsive. The ride position will usually be longer and lower too, flattening your back and giving you more of a bend at your hips.

Does bike geometry affect speed?

The short answer is that ‘it depends‘. Some viewers commented that maybe it just doesn’t matter. It absolutely does matter and indeed the geometry of the bike is the most powerful way that we can change the riders experience of the bike.

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 1 degree head angle make a difference?

TBH 1 degree dont make a difference. It feels the same, unless you change your stem and handlebar and then your bike will feel a bit more of a difference.

What is considered low trail geometry?

“Low-trail” bikes, designed to carry cargo on the front of the bike, have a trail figure of less than 45mm. Mechanical Trail (Front Normal Trail), describes the distance between the point where the front tire contacts the ground and the steering axis, measured perpendicular to the steering axis.

What does a steeper head angle do?

A steeper head angle makes the bike much more responsive at lower speeds and can help the rider maneuver the bike through slower, tighter, and more technical terrain.

Is stack or reach more important?

For a given reach, a greater stack puts you into a more upright riding position; your hands will be moved upwards and your body position will rise more towards the vertical.

What does progressive geometry mean?

Generally speaking progressive geometry is used to describe bikes that have a long front center as a central part of their design. That means long top tubes and long reach measurement that is generally compensated with a steep seat tube angle and short chain stays to compensate for lengthening.

How does fork offset affect geometry?

Increasing fork offset reduces trail. Larger wheels increase trail. With a larger wheel (e.g., a 29” wheel) the axle is higher off the ground compared to a smaller wheel. If you draw a line through the steering axis to the ground, it intersects the ground farther forward of the axle, increasing trail.

How do you read a bike geometry chart?

Quote from video: If you know a little bit more about bikes then you might look at the seat tube length and the top tube length and they will give you a pretty good idea about whether or not you can get your saddle.

What is slacker geometry?

A “slack” geometry means that these angles are lower, which in effect moves the rider further back in relation to the center of the bike and the front wheel is further out in front. At the extreme end of this design concept is the downhill bike.

What is a good headtube angle?

The steeper the head tube angle, the better handling you’ll achieve, but with less stability at speed. Most trail bikes have settled on a minute range of somewhere between 65 and 67 degrees.

What is a slacker head angle?

Slack Head Angles

A slack head angle means the front wheel will be further in front of your headset.

Is a slack head angle better?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

What makes a bike have better handling?

Ride in a Straight Line

When you are out on your next ride, hug the line on the side of the road. Practice looking over your shoulder and NOT veering off the line. Stay relaxed and bend your elbows. This skill will help you better control your bike when you are riding in a group.

How does head tube angle affect handling?

In simple terms, head tube angle dictates how much effort is required to turn the front wheel. As head angle increases, the front wheel becomes easier to turn. It is also possible to make a sharper turn, and thus, the manoeuvrability of the bike generally increases with the angle of the head tube.

How does seat tube angle affect handling?

Seat tube angles range from about 70-75 degrees. A steeper angle moves the saddle forward while a shallower angle moves it back. Steep is fine for racers. It allows them to ride hard in an aero crouch, as the more open hip angle doesn’t constrain breathing or power transfer.

How does stack height affect bike handling?

The height of your handlebars affects the way a bike rides. If the stack is low it keeps your weight over the front, if its higher it means you sit up more and your weight shifts backwards.

Which is more important Stack or reach?