Are you wondering what standover height, stack and reach mean? Here is an overview of the most important terms and their meanings:
A – Frame height
At Riese & Müller, the frame height is measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top edge of the seat tube. Universal frame heights can be found on our cargo bikes, among others: thanks to the extensive adjustability of the stem and seat post, they can be adapted to body heights from 1.50 m to 2.00 m.
B – Standover height
Describes a vertical line running from the ground through the centre of the pedal to the top edge of the top tube. This is particularly important in city traffic: when stationary, there should be at least 5 cm of clearance between the top tube and your crotch. For low step-through bikes, the step-through height describes the lowest point of the top edge of the frame. Note: On frames with a short top tube (see E), the top tube usually runs at a steeper angle than on frames with a long top tube. This means that a small frame can have a greater standover height than a large frame.
C – Stack
Describes the difference in height between the centre of the bottom bracket and the centre of the top edge of the head tube. The higher the stack, the more upright the seating position. D – Reach Refers to the horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the head tube. The greater the reach, the more your upper body stretches forward.
E – Top tube length
Describes a horizontal line running from the centre of the top edge of the head tube to the centre of the seat tube. This can be used to determine the seating position and comfort. Detailed information can be obtained from the stack and reach.
F – Wheelbase
Describes the horizontal distance between the centre of the front and rear axles. It influences the riding dynamics and has an effect on the smoothness and agility of the bike: the longer the wheelbase, the smoother the bike rides, and the shorter the wheelbase, the more agile the bike is.
G – Overall length
Describes the overall length of the bike from the rear edge of the rear wheel to the front edge of the front wheel. This value is helpful, for example, when transporting the bike – whether in a lift, on a train or on the rear rack of a car.
H – Bottom bracket height
Measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the ground. As the tyre width can influence the value, more than one value is given if necessary.
Lowered top tube
Diamond frame
Cargo Bike