Nabenhöhe

Nabenhöhe, in the context of cycling and wheeled vehicles, denotes the vertical distance from the ground to the center of the wheel hub. It describes how high the hub sits above the surface and is determined by the wheel size and tire profile. The term is most commonly used for bicycles, but can be relevant for other rided vehicles as well.

The hub height is essentially the wheel’s radius, i.e., about half of the overall wheel diameter including the tire. Consequently, larger wheels produce greater hub heights. In practice, tire inflation, tire width, and rim diameter can shift the exact measurement slightly. Differences between front and rear hubs may occur if the tires differ in size or if the bike uses suspension or varying ground clearance.

Significance and implications: Nabenhöhe influences ground clearance, the bicycle’s center of gravity, and overall stability. A higher hub height can improve obstacle clearance but may raise the center of gravity and affect balance. A lower hub height lowers the center of gravity and can enhance stability at the expense of clearance. Hub height also interacts with frame geometry, bottom bracket drop, and fork or rear-suspension layout, influencing pedal clearance and ride feel.

Typical values: For standard road bikes with 700c wheels, hub height is generally in the range of roughly 340 to 360 millimeters above the ground. Mountain bikes with larger wheels show similar hub heights, with minor variation due to tire thickness and frame design. Precise measurements vary by wheel size, tire type, and seating position.

Measurement: To determine Nabenhöhe, measure vertically from a flat surface to the center of the wheel hub when the wheel is on the ground, ensuring the bike is stationary and upright.