Triathlon/TT Bike Measurements
Saddle height
Measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle where it is 80mm wide. To measure this, mark the 80mm wide point with a piece of tape to ensure consistency.
Saddle set back
The horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the front tip of the saddle. To measure this - set the back wheel against a wall with the bike at 90deg to the wall, then measure from the wall to the centre of the BB and wall to tip of the saddle. The difference is the setback. Negative numbers indicate that the saddle noise is ahead of the BB
Pad x
The horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the rear of the armrest. To measure this - set the back wheel against a wall with the bike at 90deg to the wall, then measure from the wall to the centre of the BB and wall to the rear of the armrest. The difference is Pad x.
Pad y
The vertical distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the top of the rear of the armrest. To measure this - ensure the bike is vertical then measure from the floor to the centre of the BB and floor to top of the rear of the armrest. The difference is Pad Y.
Pad width
The centre to centre distance of the rear of the armrests. If you can see indentations where your elbows have been resting measure to the centre of the indents.
Hood x
The horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the longest point of the grip on the basebar (where the brake lever inserts). Not used much in setting up bikes as many don't allow fine tuning of this metric.
Hood y
The vertical distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the top of the longest point of the grip on the basebar (where the brake lever inserts). Not used much in setting up bikes as many don't allow fine tuning of this metric.
Saddle to pads drop
The vertical distance between the top of the saddle at the 80mm wide point and the top of the rear of the armrests.
Saddle to pads reach
The direct line distance between the front tip of the saddle and the rear of the armrest.
Saddle to hoods drop
The vertical distance between the top of the saddle at the 80mm wide point and the top of the longest point of the grip on the basebar.
Frame x
The horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and centre of the top of the head tube.
Frame y
The vertical distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and centre of the top of the head tube.
Seat post x
The horizontal distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the front of the saddle rail clamp. Not a key metric
Seat post y
The vertical distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the front of the saddle rail clamp. Not a key metric
Extension x
The horizontal distance between the rear of the armrest and the top of the grip (where the shifter inserts)
Extension y
The vertical distance between the top of the rear of the armrest and the top of the grip (where the shifter inserts)
Extension Length
The direct distance between the top of the rear of the armrest and the end of the grip (where the shifter inserts)
Frame size
The size labelled by the manufacturer.
Spacers
The distance between the top of the headtube and the base of the stem.
Stem length x angle
The length on the central axis of the stem and the nominal angle. Negative angles mean the stem is in the downwards orientation
Saddle
The brand and model of saddle.
Hoods
For Tri/TT bikes this will usually just say "Tri" as it's not important for this category
Bars
The brand and model of aerobars. For Profile Design this is listed as "Bracket/Armrest/Extension" - for instance: Sonic/Ergo/50a
Cleat wedges
If used, will show the inserts for each foot
Pedals
Brand and model of pedals
Shoes
Brand and model of shoes
Orthotics
If used, will show the inserts for each foot
Crank Length
The distance from centre of BB to centre of pedal axle, usually marked on the rear of the crank near the pedal insert.
Saddle tilt
The angle of the top of the saddle, negative values indicate nose down. Measure from the high point of the rear to the high point of the front
Extension tilt
The angle of the aerobars, measured along the top of the armrest if the extension has no flat section or does not tilt with the bracket. If the bracket tilts the angle can be measured along the extension.