How Long Is a Bike Without the Front Wheel?
So, you’re wondering how much shorter your bike becomes without its front wheel? It’s a common question, especially if you’re planning on storing your bike in a tight space.
Factors Affecting Bike Length
The exact length of your bike without the front wheel depends on a few things. First, the size of your bike’s frame matters. A larger frame will naturally be longer than a smaller one.
Second, the type of bike plays a role. Mountain bikes, for example, tend to have longer wheelbases than road bikes. This means the distance between the axles is greater.
Finally, the fork length contributes. Different forks have varying lengths.
Estimating the Length
While there’s no single definitive answer, we can give you a reasonable estimate. Online forums suggest that a typical mountain bike might measure around 1700mm (approximately 67 inches) in length with the front wheel.
Removing the front wheel will significantly reduce this length. How much? It depends on the wheel size (usually 26″, 27.5″, or 29″). A rough estimate is to subtract the length of your wheel (plus a little extra for the fork).
Let’s say you have a 26-inch wheel. Subtracting that from our 1700mm estimate could bring the length down to roughly 1400mm (or around 55 inches). This, however, is just a ballpark figure.
Practical Considerations
- Storage: Removing the front wheel is a popular storage strategy to save space.
- Transportation: It also makes transporting your bike easier in some cases.
- Fork Damage: Be mindful of potential damage to your carbon fork when removing the wheel. Handle it carefully!
Measuring Your Bike
The best way to know for sure? Measure your bike yourself! Use a tape measure to find the exact length from the center of the rear axle to the front of the fork crown (where the front wheel attaches).
Then, subtract the wheel’s diameter to get a more accurate measurement for your bike without the front wheel.
Beyond Length: Width and Height
Remember, storage space also depends on the bike’s width (handlebars) and height (with the seatpost and handlebars). These dimensions are equally important when planning storage.
Consider these factors when determining if your storage area is suitable.
