Velogic Studio bike measurements defined

Detailed definitions and measurement procedures for all bike geometry measurements collected by Velogic Studio, including traditional and XY metrics.

Our Velogic Studio system collects a detailed set of bike measurements that combine both traditional relationships and modern XY metrics.

Velogic Studio interface displaying comprehensive bike measurement data including saddle height, setback, handlebar positions, and frame geometry

The definitions for these measurements are listed below.

Saddle height

Measured from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the top of the saddle. If the velogicfit Saddle Jig is used the saddle measurement point is where it is 80mm wide. Without the Jig the standard measurement point is 140mm back from the saddle nose for a road saddle or 100mm for a ISM Adamo style noseless saddle.

Diagram showing saddle height measurement from center of bottom bracket to top of saddle using measurement wand and saddle jig

Saddle Setback

The horizontal distance between the centre of the Bottom Bracket and the tip of the saddle. Can be measured using a Plumb Bob, Level or by finding any vertical straight edge such as the corner of a wall. Alternately you can place the rear wheel against a wall, measure from the wall to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the wall to the nose of the Saddle.

Illustration of saddle setback measurement showing horizontal distance from bottom bracket center to saddle tip using plumb bob method

Handlebar X

The horizontal distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the centre of the Handlebar clamp. This can be measured using an XY tool, or a vertical straight edge or you can place the rear wheel against a wall, measure from the wall to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the wall to the centre of the Handlebar clamp.

Handlebar X coordinate measurement showing horizontal distance from bottom bracket center to handlebar clamp center

Handlebar Y

The vertical distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the centre of the Handlebar clamp. This can be measured using an XY tool, after ensuring the bike is truly vertical measure from the floor to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the floor to the centre of the Handlebar clamp.

Handlebar Y coordinate measurement showing vertical distance from bottom bracket center to handlebar clamp center

Handlebar Width - Road

The centre to centre distance of the Drops. Easily measured with a tape from the inside of one side of the bar to the outside of the other. Note that some bars flare from the Hoods to the Drops so you may need to note both Hoods and Drops width.

Road bike handlebar width measurement showing center-to-center distance of the drop section of handlebars

Handlebar Width - MTB

End to end of the bar, easily measured with a tape.

Mountain bike handlebar width measurement showing end-to-end distance across straight mountain bike handlebars

Handlebar Width - Tri/TT

Centre to centre of the basebar grips. Easily measured with a tape from the inside of one side of the bar to the outside of the other.

Hood X

The horizontal distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the upturn of the Brake Hoods. This can be measured using an XY tool, or a vertical straight edge or you can place the rear wheel against a wall, measure from the wall to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the wall to the upturn of the Brake Hoods.

Hood X coordinate measurement showing horizontal distance from bottom bracket center to brake hood upturn point

Hood Y

The vertical distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the upturn of the Brake Hoods. This can be measured using an XY tool, after ensuring the bike is truly vertical measure from the floor to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the floor to the upturn of the Brake Hoods.

Hood Y coordinate measurement showing vertical distance from bottom bracket center to brake hood upturn point

Bar Drop

The vertical distance between the top of the Saddle and the top of the Bars (beside the Stem). Can be measured using a level or by measuring from the ground to the top of the Saddle and ground to top of the Bars. Note that if your Bar Drop is a negative number it indicates that the Bars are higher than the Saddle

Bar drop measurement showing vertical distance between top of saddle and top of handlebars beside stem

Saddle to bars

The direct distance from the nose of the Saddle to the top of the Bars at the centre of the Stem clamp

Saddle to bars measurement showing direct distance from saddle nose to top of handlebars at stem clamp center

Saddle to drops

The direct distance from the nose of the Saddle to the end of the Bar drops.

Saddle to drops measurement showing direct distance from saddle nose to end of handlebar drop section

Frame X

Also known as Reach (this is the number you will see in most geometry charts). The horizontal distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the centre of the top of the Headtube. This can be measured using an XY tool or a vertical straight edge or you can place the rear wheel against a wall, measure from the wall to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the wall to the centre of the top of the Headtube.

Frame X (Reach) measurement showing horizontal distance from bottom bracket center to top of head tube center

Frame Y

Also known as Stack (this is the number you will see in most geometry charts). The vertical distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the centre of the top of the Headtube. This can be measured using an XY tool or, after ensuring the bike is truly vertical, measure from the floor to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the floor to the centre of the top of the Headtube.

Frame Y (Stack) measurement showing vertical distance from bottom bracket center to top of head tube center

Seatpost X

The horizontal distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the front of the Saddle Rail clamp. This can be measured using a vertical straight edge or you can place the rear wheel against a wall, measure from the wall to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the wall to the front of the Saddle Rail clamp.

Seatpost X coordinate measurement showing horizontal distance from bottom bracket center to saddle rail clamp front

Seatpost Y

The vertical distance from the centre of the Bottom Bracket to the front of the Saddle Rail clamp. This can be measured using an XY tool or, after ensuring the bike is truly vertical, measure from the floor to the centre of the Bottom Bracket then from the floor to the front of the Saddle Rail clamp.

Seatpost Y coordinate measurement showing vertical distance from bottom bracket center to saddle rail clamp front