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Old 02-20-09 | 08:11 AM
  #24  
DaveSSS
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,296
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From: Loveland, CO

Bikes: Cervelo Rouvida x 2

Yes, fork axle to crown measurements vary from 365 to around 374mm, but most brands fail to list their fork lengths in their geometry charts. Those that do (like LOOK and Colnago) know enough to provide the buyer with all the necessary information. I'm don't think I've seen any brand list the headset stack height. With frames using conventional headsets, that is the buyer's choice, but not so with some proprietary integrated models.

Look frames with IS headsets have a 15mm stack height, but could be changed to a model that is 8-20mm in height. The newer headfit headsets are about 20mm tall and can't be changed so those have a taller minimum height.

BB drop also affects the head tube length needed, but very few frames use a BB drop that differs much from the common 70mm. Serotta is the exception with a lot of 80mm BB drops.

I always figure out the necessary bar height from the floor to the top of the bars - then it's simple to figure out the total stack height needed with common stem angles, like 73, 80, 84 and 96 and 100. I would never use a 96 or more myself, but sometimes it's a good alternative, if the rider can't tolerate a lot of drop.

As an example, I get a bar height of 85.5cm with a 145mm stack height and a 73 degree stem. Taller stacks will increase that vertical height by 95% of any additional amount. An 84 degree stem will add about 2cm and a 96 will add almost another 2cm.

Last edited by DaveSSS; 02-20-09 at 08:25 AM.
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