Stack & Reach Comparisons

j_vora

Hi :

I have 2 bike models to choose from - unfortunately cannot test ride them due to nonavailability and will need to place an order online, reason for seeking your inputs -

The geometry between the 2 bikes is very similar, except for model A, the Reach is 3 mm longer n Stack is 7mm shorter when compared to model B.

I am looking at a more “comfortable” ride and am wondering if the 7mm Stack difference would make a noticeable difference ?

Thanks in advance-

lesfirth

No.
An extra spacer under the stem will compensate for the difference.

j_vora

Thanks for the reply lesfrith -

Say there no room to add any more spaces as that has been maxed out, then would the 7mm be noticeable in terms of comfort between the two bikes ?

Or it’s something that one’s body will “get used to” n compensate ?

Bottom line : Is 7mm large enough to be perceptually more comfortable ?

And in terms of a bike-fit wud 7mm make a difference ?


Thanks.

mpie

Stack and reach are useful when comparing frames. Less so when comparing bikes (unless you ride with your hand on the top of the head tube). Spacers, stem geometry/setup (flipped?) and handlebar geometry/setup can completely override small differences in frame S&R.
Having said that, 7mm difference in 'effective' stack (i.e., BB to hoods) is quite 'noticeable' but necessarily a problem. I have two road bikes with a bigger difference - they both 'fit', but also serve different purposes.

mpie

Sorry, that should have been: "... but NOT necessarily a problem..."

dtaylor243

j_vora said:

Thanks for the reply lesfrith -

Say there no room to add any more spaces as that has been maxed out, then would the 7mm be noticeable in terms of comfort between the two bikes ?

Or it’s something that one’s body will “get used to” n compensate ?

Bottom line : Is 7mm large enough to be perceptually more comfortable ?

And in terms of a bike-fit wud 7mm make a difference ?


Thanks.

No room for spacers ? Angled stem can raise bars a few cms.

j_vora

mpie : Appreciate your pointing out that it’s the frames that can be compared & not complete bikes for the varied options of customisation with respect to length & angles of stems, raiser handlebars, etc.

I did mean frames in the OP, but used bikes instead - My mistake for I was not specific

Thanks.

joeyhalloran

Have you got a current bike you are comfortable on? It really depends where in the fit window you are. For example if you are riding the 'taller' bike with a slammed stem than -7mm would be fine. If you the shorter bike has 40mm spacers than -7mm would probably be not ideal and i'd advise looking at other options

j_vora

Hi joeyhalloran :

I have been away from cycling for a very long time & thus do not have a bike to compare either model A or model B to -

And the unfortunate part is none of the bikes are available for a test ride -

But do understand the 2nd part of your reply.

I wish I could be certain which would be a better fit.

Seems I have some more mental gymnastics to undergo - but your reply n those of the others do help.


Many thanks.