Tawp Too-bul
Noun
The horizontal tube connecting the handlebars to the seat post on a bicycle.
Example usage: 'Be sure to tighten the screws on the top tube so the handlebars don't move during the ride.'
Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.
Most used by: Road cyclists, mountain bikers, and BMX riders.
Popularity: 8 out of 10.
Comedy Value: 3 out of 10.
What is a Top Tube?
A top tube is an important part of a bicycle frame. It is a tube that runs between the seat tube and the head tube and is the longest tube in the frame. It is essential for the structural integrity of the frame and provides a platform for attaching the handlebars to the frame.
The top tube is usually horizontal and it connects the head tube to the seat tube. It is typically made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. The length of the top tube varies depending on the size of the bicycle frame and the type of riding the cyclist is doing.
Statistics show that the average top tube length for a road bike is 54 cm, while for a mountain bike the average is 57 cm. The length of the top tube affects the rider’s position on the bike, as well as the overall reach of the handlebars. A longer top tube will give the rider a more stretched out position, while a shorter top tube will give the rider a more upright position.
Overall, the top tube is an important part of the bicycle frame and must be taken into consideration when selecting a bike. The length of the top tube will affect the rider’s position on the bike and the overall performance of the bike.
The Origin of the Term 'Top Tube' in Cycling
The term 'top tube' originates from the development of the diamond frame bicycle in the 19th century. This type of bicycle frame is composed of two triangles and a connecting top tube, which is the tube that connects the seat tube and the head tube. This design was first patented in the United Kingdom in 1885 by John Kemp Starley.
The use of the term 'top tube' in cycling is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The term was used to describe the uppermost tube of the frame, which was typically the longest one and connected the seat tube to the head tube. Its purpose was to provide structural support and allow riders to stand on the pedals while cycling.
Today, the term 'top tube' is still used to refer to the uppermost tube of the frame, and is an important part of the design of most bicycles. It provides strength and stiffness to the frame, allowing it to support the weight of the rider and absorb the shocks from riding over rough terrain.
