Chainstay Length

The distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the rear wheel axle. This measurement is taken from the side view of the bike, ignoring the z-axis such that the width of the axle or bottom bracket does not come into play. In the case of horizontal/sliding/rocker dropouts, enter the shortest length.

Chainstay length can have a significant effect on a bike’s handling.

Shift center-of-mass rearward rearward to balance a more aggressive rider position

Reduce turning radius for quicker handling

Stiffen frame

Reduce likelihood of chain-on-tire rub

Easier to lift the front wheel for manuals, wheelies, bunny hops

Shift center-of-mass frontward rearward to balance a more upright rider position

More stable handling

Increased compliance for a smoother-feeling ride

Reduced vertical-displacement at the saddle over bumps

Greater heel clearance for rear panniers

For bikes with horizontally-adjustable dropouts, the effective chainstay length can be changed. If the bike brand specifies a range of chainstay lengths, the shorter value is considered to be the Chainstay Length and an optional Max Chainstay Length attribute can be populated to describes the effective chainstay length when the wheel is in the rearmost position.

The distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the rear wheel axle. In the case of horizontal/sliding/rocker dropouts, enter the shortest length allowed.

The horizontal distance along the wheelbase from the vertical center of the bottom bracket to the center of the rear wheel axle. In the case of horizontal/sliding/rocker dropouts, enter the shortest length allowed.

Front-Center

Wheelbase

Chainstay Length

What is chainstay length?

Why does it matter?

Qualities of shorter chainstays:

Qualities of longer chainstays:

Variable chainstay length

Chainstay length types

Chainstay Length

Chainstay Length Horizontal

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