Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

seat-stays

Noun

The frame tubes that run from the seat tube to the rear dropouts.

Example usage: 'The seatstays on my bike are too long.'

Most used in: Road cycling and mountain biking communities.

Most used by: Cyclists who are serious about the technical aspects of cycling.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 2/10

Also see: Chainstays, Seat Stays, Seatstay Bridge, Seatstay Tubing,

What are Seatstays?

Seatstays are two pieces of tubing connecting the top of the seat tube to the rear dropouts on a bicycle frame. This part of the frame is critical to the overall ride quality of your bike, as it helps to absorb road shock and vibration. It also helps to keep the rear wheel firmly in place.

Seatstays are usually made of metal, such as steel or aluminium, though some modern frames may use carbon fibre or titanium for extra lightness. The shape and length of the stays can vary, depending on the design of the frame and the intended use of the bike. Generally, a shorter seatstay will result in a stiffer ride, while a longer seatstay will give a more comfortable ride.

The length of seatstays can range from around 350mm to 470mm, with the average being around 400mm. As a general rule, road bikes tend to have shorter seatstays, while mountain bikes have longer seatstays. This is to provide a more comfortable ride on rough terrain.

Seatstays are an important part of a bicycle frame, and are essential for providing a comfortable and efficient ride. With the right frame design and materials, seatstays can be used to create a bike that is both lightweight and responsive.

.

The Origin of the Term 'Seatstays' in Cycling

The term 'seatstays' was first used in the context of cycling in the late 19th century. It was first used in the English language to describe the two seat stays that are connected to the seat tube of a bicycle frame. This was a common feature of the diamond frame design, which is the most common type of bicycle frame used today.

The first use of the term 'seatstays' was in 1877 in the British publication, The Field magazine. This magazine was the first to use the term to refer to the two stays that are connected to the seat tube of a bicycle frame. Since then, the term has been widely used in the cycling industry to refer to the two stays connected to the seat tube of a bicycle frame.

The purpose of seatstays is to provide additional support and stability to the rider. They also help to keep the rider in a comfortable and upright position. Seatstays are usually made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber, depending on the type of bicycle frame. The length and angle of the seatstays also vary depending on the type of frame and desired riding style.

The term 'seatstays' has been used in the cycling industry for over a century and is still widely used today. It is a testament to the importance of these two stays and their role in providing support and stability to the cyclist. The term is still used by cyclists and bike shops around the world to refer to the two seat stays connected to the seat tube of a bicycle frame.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER