1. What is Wheelbase?

Wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels of a bicycle. It's a key measurement that affects a bike's handling characteristics and stability.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wheelbase formula:

Where:

• \( Chainstay \) — Length from bottom bracket to rear axle (inches)
• \( Front\ Center \) — Length from bottom bracket to front axle (inches)

Explanation: The wheelbase is calculated as the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by the chainstay and front center measurements.

3. Importance of Wheelbase Calculation

Details: Wheelbase affects bike handling - shorter wheelbases make bikes more agile, while longer wheelbases provide more stability at high speeds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter chainstay and front center lengths in inches. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical wheelbase length?
A: Road bikes typically have wheelbases between 38-42 inches, while mountain bikes range from 42-48 inches.

Q2: How does wheelbase affect bike handling?
A: Shorter wheelbases make bikes more responsive to steering inputs, while longer wheelbases provide more stability.

Q3: What other measurements affect bike handling?
A: Head tube angle, fork offset, and bottom bracket height also significantly impact bike handling characteristics.

Q4: Does wheelbase affect climbing?
A: Yes, shorter wheelbases generally make bikes easier to maneuver on steep climbs.

Q5: How does wheelbase relate to bike size?
A: Larger frame sizes typically have longer wheelbases, though frame geometry can vary between manufacturers.