Stand over height

[Mars]

Where is the stand over height measured? On a bike with a non-horizontal top tube, where along its length is the stand over height measured?

TIA.

[Doofus]

I work on the basis that it's the point where you're as far back towards the saddle as you can go - where the seat's poking you in the arse.

[Mars]

Thanks, but there must be an official place where the measurement refers to. There's a chance that the bike I'm after will only be available to order. Looks like I'll be able to check out one of the models I want in L or larger but I would like to assure myself that I need an S and not an M.

[Doofus]

Mars said:

Thanks, but there must be an official place where the measurement refers to.

Why? There isn't an 'official' compact frame geometry, so why would there be an 'official' stand over point?

As I say, in my opinion, that's where I'd stand over a bike. I wouldn't straddle it right next to the handlebars, and for me, as long as cockpit size is OK, then standover is be fine.

When looking at 'traditional' frame sizes, some makers measure mid-bottom bracket to mid-top tube, some mid to top, some bottom to top and so on. So there is no 'official' measurement. In my opinion, standover isn't a problem on a compact frame (or a sloping top tube frame), because if the reach fits, the top tube will always be low enough.

[HundredthIdiot]

Don't fit a bike by standover height, it's completely irrelevant. Do it by reach and drop.

[Mars]

I don't have very long legs, so I need to know I can at least stand over it.

[HundredthIdiot]

Mars said:

I don't have very long legs, so I need to know I can at least stand over it.

It's really not important. Google a bit if you don't believe me.

[itsnotarace]

Agree with the above - it's important to get the correct fit for your torso with the reach and drop measurements. You can always tilt the bike over a little when you dismount which will give you enough standover.

What is your inseam measurement anyway? And height?

[LRdriver II]

I thought this was the reason all manufacturers went to sloping geometry... so they only have to make S-M-L-XL sizes thus cutting costs instead of in the old days where you got them in 1cm increments.

Some frames slope more than others so you will have to try them or, honestly, I would simply take the "stand over" on the webpage\geo and use that as a ballpark (pun not inteneded, lol)

[Mars]

^^^ See, he gets it.

Seriously, I realise standover isn't the only measurement I need to consider but as a ballpark for asking my LBS whether they have a few to try, it gave me a starter for 10.