Axle-to-Crown
Summary Axle-to-crown is a measurement used in bicycle design to indicate the vertical distance from the axle of a fork to the top of its crown. It plays…
Velopedia Entries
An evolving encyclopedia of cycling brands, technologies, components, and history.
Hub Motor
Summary A hub motor is an electric drive system integrated directly into the front or rear wheel hub of an e-bike. It delivers silent, independent propulsion and is…
Mid-Drive Motor
Summary A mid-drive motor is an e-bike power unit mounted at the crank area, driving the bike through its chain and gears. It offers efficient climbing, balanced weight…
Effective Top Tube
Summary Effective top tube (ETT) is a key frame geometry measurement that defines the horizontal distance between the head tube and the seat tube. It plays a central…
MTB Geometry
Summary MTB geometry refers to the angles, lengths, and dimensions that define how a mountain bike fits and handles. These measurements shape everything from stability and cornering to…
Instant Center
Summary The instant center is a theoretical point around which a suspension system rotates at any given moment in its travel. It plays a critical role in determining…
Front-Center
Summary Front-center is a key measurement in bicycle geometry that refers to the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the front axle. It plays a major role…
The Rise of Full Suspension — 1990s Breakthroughs
Summary The 1990s marked the true emergence of full suspension mountain bikes, as brands introduced innovative designs that transformed off-road performance. These early platforms balanced travel, pedaling efficiency,…
Shimano’s Influence on MTB — From Deore XT to Di2
Summary From the dusty trails of Marin County to the high-tech singletrack of today, Shimano has played a pivotal role in shaping every major chapter of mountain biking.…
Head Tube Standards
Summary At first glance, a bike’s head tube may seem like just another frame tube. But behind that unassuming section of the frame lies a complex world of…
Suspension Sag Adjustment
Summary Suspension sag adjustment is the process of setting how much a bicycle’s suspension compresses under the rider’s body weight—gear included—while stationary. This setup step is essential to…
Advent of Carbon Frames
Summary The introduction of carbon fiber frames in the early 1980s marked a radical shift in bicycle design—one that redefined performance, engineering possibilities, and ultimately, the entire cycling…