Science

Stack and Reach

Stack and reach provide a consistent way to compare bike frames across brands without relying on inconsistent size labels.

Vertical fitHorizontal fitFrame comparison
Stack = vertical distance
Reach = horizontal distance
Useful across brands
These two coordinates say more about rider position than a nominal frame size alone.

Core concepts

The geometry references that actually travel between frames

Seat-tube sizing hides too much variation. Stack and reach give you a cleaner baseline when you want to compare positions from one frame to another.

What is stack?

Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top center of the head tube. Higher stack generally means a more upright riding posture.

What is reach?

Reach is the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the same head-tube reference point. Longer reach usually creates a more stretched cockpit.

Why it matters

Stack and reach reflect real rider position and are the best baseline when matching a frame to fit targets.

Explore more

Continue reading

Keep going with related guides and calculators that build on what you just learned.

Calculation Engine

Open the next page in this topic cluster.

Fit Methods Comparison

Open the next page in this topic cluster.

Frame Size Calculator

Open the next page in this topic cluster.

Road Bike Fit Guide

Open the next page in this topic cluster.

Gravel Bike Fit Guide

Open the next page in this topic cluster.