What You Need To Know Before Buying A Bike | Bicycle Geometry Explained

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Bike | Bicycle Geometry Explained | Cycling Weekly

Рет қаралды 141,704

Күн бұрын

Cycling culture is full of little idiosyncrasies. Some of them we love and respect, like the fact that a water bottle is a water bottle in all walks of life except when on a bicycle. Others can be infuriating - like the inconsistencies within geometry charts.
The geometry of a bike is hugely important when it comes to selection. Geometry creates personality - making the bike either more fast and flicky, or comfortable and stable.
This video will tell you everything you need to know before buying yourself a new a bike.
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Пікірлер: 157

@bradycann9679 3 жыл бұрын

This was one of the best explanations on bike geometry I have come across. Definitely sharing this with my newer riding buddies. Good job, Michelle!

@kbroadbent7245 3 жыл бұрын

MOST IMPORTANT BICYCLE VIDEO ON THE INTERNET ALERT! and explained with such clarity. Top job Michelle and good work on the "fancy lines" post-prod guys :)

@Thetoad738 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. When I was a teenager in the mid-80s I was told to stand over the frame and if I could lift the bike one inch that was the bike size I needed. Stem length was determined if you could see the front hub while seated. If the hub was in front of the tip of the stem, your stem was too short, if the hub was behind, the stem was too long. If you couldn't see the hub, it was the correct size.

@MrAudioBill 10 ай бұрын

Finally! A common sense explanation to help navigate the myriad of bike/frame geometries and purposes. A big thanks is due.

@axe8027x 2 жыл бұрын

WOW!!! This is hands down the very best video on bike geometry and super valuable content. Easy to understand and unbiased. Great job Michelle!

@allthingsTechrelated 3 жыл бұрын

The best I’ve seen so far on this subject. Thanks

@AaronGoodTimes 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Everything I need to know to buy my first road bike this spring.

@fookie-fone 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. I will certainly refer to this time and time again.

@cjharrer01 3 жыл бұрын

This was a fantastic video - extremely informational. I will be saving it for future reference and plan to get measurements of my current bikes to see how the align with each other. Thank you for this!!!

@g.fortin3228 2 жыл бұрын

She did a great job explaining the angles and making it more understandable... thank you and looking forward to some more videos.

@timallen4542 3 жыл бұрын

Really well explained 🙌 many points put across here that are usually misplaced, aren’t as clear or missing in terms of the effects on a bikes personality and fit in other articles I’ve read. Great guide to understanding geometries.

@davidrichards3 3 жыл бұрын

Just what We needed a very comprehensive and detailed explanation - great video!

@Danielkuota1 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing video. Thanks for sharing this information.

@yogeshgupta3940 8 ай бұрын

I am so so thankful to your for creating such lucid ... super organized video. I plan to buy a bicycle and have seen so many videos and your is perhaps the best.

@richcrompton6891 3 жыл бұрын

Great video guys. Well done.

@ChrisSharp_kr1spy 3 жыл бұрын

Good to know the specs from a dimensional point of view, but as I think you mentioned getting a personalized bike fit from a good shop is the most practical.

@bubblesezblonde 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a very well spent 14 minutes! I will be sharing this with all my cyclists friends looking for a new ride. I learned so much, but I might have to ask my friend who works with slide rules what it all means.

@SecwetGwiwer Жыл бұрын

Yes! You got front and rear centre correct! Manufacturers always seem to mix these up with chainstay length and bb to front axle length.

@adamcoatham 3 жыл бұрын

Really useful video, neatly explained - thanks CW!

@AndrewBlucher 3 жыл бұрын

A big step up from your usual quality. Well done.

@grazryan 3 жыл бұрын

This is very VERY informative!! I’m using a Ridley Xtrail cyclocross and been considering getting a fast feel roadbike. Thankx

@tigerpjm 3 жыл бұрын

Great information, and extra points for using a proper groupset on the bike you've chosen as a prop. 😉

@CameronPriceJ 3 жыл бұрын

Very well explained! A must for those trying to understand geometry between two different bikes, like myself ;) Thank you!

@ilikeeinstien 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michelle. This was very clear and lucidly explained

@alchemist.3 3 жыл бұрын

Very very informative video. Thanks a ton for bring crisp and to the point. 👍🏽👍🏽

@alansharp5543 Жыл бұрын

Superbly clear and succinct with excellent comparative illustrations for each topic.

@jakec5618 8 ай бұрын

This was great, very helpful thanks.

@robertengstrom1183 5 ай бұрын

Absolutely wonderful lecture on bike geometry and it's importance. Thank you so much.

@janrobinsonus 2 жыл бұрын

best video on bike geometry. i just bought a Masi expert CXRc 49 seems to fit me at 5'5". the geometry is similar to an enduranc and CX/gravel. BB drop is 70cm BB height 281cm. hoping it is stable at slower speeds and according to your video will hold up well in the mud

@prernasudera8417 Жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful video, very comprehensive but precise, no bullshit talking, i had to pause and take notes, amazing job done with so many examples to make it easier!

@nemistis 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a great video. Very nice quick introduction.

@kevennguyen3332 3 жыл бұрын

Very clear and helpful!

@ivangsvts 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video very comprehensive. Thanks from Ecuador

@sonnykonn6339 3 ай бұрын

wonderful video! thanks

@amilcaresada7778 3 жыл бұрын

Very good video, better than several others found on the net: well done eventually somethings with a bit of in depth analysis

@cheetos- Жыл бұрын

Having spent hours reading about geometry details, this is by far one of the easiest resources to understand.

@burakikizler_ 3 жыл бұрын

this is very useful video thank so much guys

@arbjful 3 жыл бұрын

This is great information, and very well presented..

@DrunkieCat 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative, I'll definitely link this video if someone needs any help with bike geometry

@liammcgough9969 8 ай бұрын

Great video! Really enjoyed watching. Very easy to understand and the presenter had a very nice voice and easy to listen too.

@niceup1177 Жыл бұрын

that was a lot of information in a small timespan. amazing work, great explanations.

@matthewlewis2072 3 жыл бұрын

Really excellent video, clearly presented. I think I get it now...!

@pmac6062 3 жыл бұрын

👏🏼 excellent explanation thankyou very much. It's a mine field out there but I liked you intro, be honest about the type of rider you are. I'm not flexible not that strong so a gravel/endurance geometry will be better for me I think. 🙂

@nim9226 3 жыл бұрын

Great video

@LeoInterHyenaem 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the excellent video!

@WerdnaLiten 3 жыл бұрын

Good video; some sizes aren't always the same. Also, try geo comparison websites. And good points about type of bike, your riding, and the roads you ride on. I feel too many people simply copy what they see the pros on TV - and end up on unsuitable bikes.

@guillaumedebunge9130 3 жыл бұрын

Best explanation ! and i've seen a lot ^^ty

@cristianditommaso4900 3 жыл бұрын

One of best video on bike geometry ever

@renanmartins3065 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Michelle 🚴‍♂️

@1969Escobar 3 жыл бұрын

You couldn't explained better, thanks, cheers

@ncgc Жыл бұрын

Great explanation thank you

@WEVA111 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I certainty learned a lot

@edwardallan197 Жыл бұрын

Straightford facts and logic my favorite!

@brookedavey397 Жыл бұрын

This was so helpful! New to more considered cycling i kept hearing all of these terms and numbers without any idea what they meant. I have a diverge so got lucky with the example bikes used 😉

@roadglide 3 жыл бұрын

Well articulated. Thank you. That bike and Campy group looks very sweet.

@matthewlewis2072 3 жыл бұрын

Hell, yes. Was going to say the same!

@jace75 3 жыл бұрын

Great timing. I've been doing the measurements on my current bike and wondered about stack+ and reach+. Obviously you need to be able to safely get on and off the bike but how much focus should you put on standover height if there is a trade off for stack/reach on your chosen bike? Or would you change the spacers and stem length instead?

@mohdhaq640 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your effort

@petinka721 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative and well made video! But it is fromCykling Weekly so I am not surprised!

@nhollgambot6753 Жыл бұрын

very clear presentation.

@MrKhorasaneman 3 жыл бұрын

Very good . Excellent

@superbob7219 7 ай бұрын

Excellent ❤ super tutorial

@1a2b3c4. Жыл бұрын

Great report 👍🇺🇸

@pigeonpoo1823 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. Bike geek geometry is excellent once you know what measurements you desire to replicate. I am amazed how 1° or a couple of cm can make such staggeringly large differences to handling and fit. Again thanks, cos this is fiendishly complicated subject matter

@MichelleArthursBrennan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Re complicated subject, we cut out my miniature rant about not getting bogged down in X effect on Y affect on A effect on B as we'd be there all day - think in this case best to focus on the topline numbers!

@_dmart 3 жыл бұрын

Well done !

@robwatson1801 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation

@Marcus-us3ws 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent !

@tendersontan9717 3 жыл бұрын

Great introduction

@lorimcquinn3966 8 ай бұрын

Perhaps the addition of a video regarding choosing a frame/bike for specific purpose. Look at the geometry numbers and remark on benefits and effects.

@Dragon_rls 2 жыл бұрын

Looking good Cookie !

@Helloworldwrjfjrjrj 11 ай бұрын

Excellent.

@theillegalimmigrant9314 3 жыл бұрын

very informative

@notreally2406 Жыл бұрын

A measurement I've never heard discussed, but think is possibly the most important, is distance from top center of saddle to center of front hub in a straight line. Set your saddle height first. Then set your saddle setback according to the distance from your front hub that you had on your previous bike that you liked and were comfortable with. Then, try to make your bars continuously obscure your front hub as you sit in the saddle and lean forward in the drops, or sit up on the hoods, and while transitioning through the whole arc. Your setback over the BB is irrelevant. Bike fit is mostly preference, comfort, and style.

@hanssetschodi3883 3 жыл бұрын

Hi. Very nice. Would you agree to choose the right frame size to multiplicate inleg length with 0.69 to get the stack.? This shall be better as seattube length.

@chrisdunford9711 10 ай бұрын

Not to be complicated . What if some needs something in-between ? I feel like the answer might not be as simple as split those numbers in half .. The bike that will suit me , have to suit how I use it . I love speed I do . But I'm a dad of two And I'd like to have a carriage hooked up to the rear , As well as a commuter ! I'm leaning on a gravel bike - but I want to have two sets of tires and rims . To swap out , gravel and road tires . I've been in the country and my old bike is a bit rough now . But I am heading back to the city and I will be shopping for a new bike . Very insightful video , lots to know and learn

@CynicalManInBlack Жыл бұрын

I think there is a mistake in the video. It is a common one too. Less rake means longer trail (the left point moves more to the left) and more rake means shorter trail (the left point moves more to the right).

@gerardrazulcarim4922 3 жыл бұрын

thank you

@MiataBRG 9 ай бұрын

Really good explanation in the middle of a sea of bike-sizing waffle

@robster6868 3 жыл бұрын

Next video how to work out geometry to build your own frame?

@NemanjaPantelic 3 жыл бұрын

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Bike - Ideally you should know how to ride it :) Joking aside, thanks for a great vid!

@shadymohmed8487 Жыл бұрын

excellent

@utterlyexiged Жыл бұрын

This is where i went wrong, i bought an aero bike as i loved the look, then after a year realised i wasn't enjoying riding it, especially over the roads round where i live as its like a rumble strip. Im selling it to buy an endurance bike with amore relaxed geo and larger tyres.

@onenation9510 3 жыл бұрын

TOTALLY CONFUSED!

@KameshKrishnan 3 жыл бұрын

8:13 My understanding is that Steeper Head angle and/or more Rake gives less Trail, and Slacker Head angle and/or less Rake gives more Trail. More the Rake, nearer the contact patch to the Steering Axis. Steeper the Head angle, Nearer the Steering axis to the contact patch.

@jameshaley7869 3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts too. I think the calculation was wrong on this one. More rake moves the axle forward - reducing trail.

@Pillokun 3 жыл бұрын

The only thing I dont like with measuring bikes through reach is that it does not tell you how it feels to ride because it does not say how big the distance from the saddle to the bar is, ie what I would call the human body reach.

@joeraymond9437 5 күн бұрын

I have been off the bike for a few years while back in school. I am a heavy rider, even when in shape. I used to ride 3K+ per year. I live in Colorado and am looking at building up a bike for Iron Horse and Mt. Evans (now Mt. Blue sky) next year. Could you give me an idea about what geometry would be best for rides with LOTs of veriticle on a road ride? Thanks!

@stevechang3045 3 жыл бұрын

A well made video to propagate big name bike maker marketing monbojumbo All these originated from the idea of integrated this and integrated that. We used to have the option to change out stem, handle bar, fork etc and bike makers hate that. So thats that.

@trickshottim_pool 3 жыл бұрын

8:16 Shouldn't it be "less rake = more trail" and "more rake = less trail"? Otherwise, love all of the explanations and examples!

@llegoearl3487 9 ай бұрын

lol this helps alot cus iam tryin to buy new carbon fork and i didn't know my head angle in my roadbike

@paulgreen9979 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I have a bike that I want to use on my Tack trainer, but I have to use a 29” wheel, and I think my old mbk ranger hi tech is a 26” frame. My q is, can I put a 29” wheel on this frame?

@Drzhounder 2 жыл бұрын

After all this is looked at, and the bike is chosen, the effective geometry needs to be recorded after a bike is fit to the rider. Reach for example is only part of the position even if the stem is changed. Effective reach should be measured from the nose of the saddle to the center of the bars. This is the riders reach and more important when finding a bike than bike reach. Rider reach directly addresses comfort and position.

@thelmaviaduct 9 ай бұрын

If you change a fork from 45mm to 55mm rake, will the handling change much? The trail is 77mm with the 45mm fork. I presume this will reduce to 68mm ish trail

@FoodFFacts 3 жыл бұрын

What about geometry for tt bike? Is it the same

@jay_fp5019 Жыл бұрын

Confused...shouldn't switching to a fork with more rake decrease trail on a bike frame (eg. the contact patch of the tire wanders "forward" and closer to the imagined head tube intersection with the ground)? Thus, shouldn't we expect to see the lowest trail in bikes with steep head tube angle and high offset, and highest trail in bikes with slack head tube angles and no offset?

@CynicalManInBlack Жыл бұрын

Agree. I think there is a mistake in the video. It is a common one too. Less rake means longer trail (the left point moves more to the left) and more rake means shorter trail (the left point moves more to the right).

@TheMrer 3 жыл бұрын

Correct me, if I'm wrong but at 8:18 wouldn't more rake give less trail?

@ImAnEmergency Жыл бұрын

lawl I pulled up a photo of the Chamois Hagar when she mentioned head tube angle right before she pulled up the same photo 😅

@angelgomez7917 3 жыл бұрын

I saved the video!!

@1a2b3c4. Жыл бұрын

All measurements in the USA are published in centimeters 49, 54 CM

@cyrilbigmouth7743 Жыл бұрын

If you buy a road bike, make sure it has mudguards (fenders) !!

@unclejoemaranta7530 Жыл бұрын

I totally agree Cyril. Riding without mudguards on a rainy day is not the way to go!

@harben23 9 ай бұрын

I’m confused about chain stay. If the long CS is stable at low speed how will it handle at high speed. And if short CS is nippier at high speed how will it handle at slow speed? 10:35