Menu
BMX Tips

BMX Standover Height (Does It Matter?)

bmx standover height

Do you want to get familiar with the BMX standover height? Or, as some call it, seat tube height?

Even though every frame spec list has the standover height in there, no one really talks about it.

Why?

Because it doesn’t matter as much as the top tube length or the chainstay length do. Not to mention the head tube angle.

Friendly Reminder: Save BIG On Dan's Comp! (Click Banner)

Now, I know many will say: “Dude, it matters to me!”

I know it does.

This post covers:

Does Standover Height Really Matter?

Standover height Riding style Key features
6.95″ Park Lower standover height makes it easier to whip the bike around, ideal for park riders focusing on quick, responsive stunts.
9″ Versatile Balanced height offers a mix of stability for barspins & ease of tailwhips, suitable for riders who enjoy park, trail & street riding.
9.75″ Street Higher standover height offers better frame control for barspins & technical tricks, suited for street riders who prefer stability & seat pinching.

But really, standover height is more of a personal preference.

However, those that say standover height matters are usually park riders. It’s because a LOWER standover height makes the bike more responsive and easier to whip around.

On the other hand, street riders usually opt for frames with TALLER seat tube height.

Not only does it make the frame look better, but it’s also much easier for pinching the seat when it comes to barspins. Plus, the riders who primarily pull single whips never complain about taller standover.

If you have an 8.75″ or a 9.5″ seat tube, you’ll still be able to pull a whip – without the frame getting in the way.

Sure, if someone is about double, triple and even quadruple tailwhips, it’ll be much easier to pull any of those stunts with a low seat tube height frame.

How To Measure Standover Height?

how to measure standover height
The seat tube is the vertical tube that connects the frame’s top tube and the bottom bracket.

It measures from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top tube, like in the picture above.

The market has frames ranging from around 6.5″ and up to 10″ in seat tube height.

At this stage, I also feel it’s important to mention the seat tube angle.

Not only will the seat tube move the top tube higher or lower, depending on the angle, but it can also make it shorter or longer.

But here’s a CATCH.

A frame with a low standover height (example: 6.95″) won’t see as much of a difference in top tube length when the angle is at 69 or 71 degrees, but a frame with a 10″ seat tube will.

And because of all the extra material, a frame with a taller seat tube will be heavier than a frame with a lower seat tube.

Two Examples Of Complete Opposite Standover Heights

Here are two extremes examples of frames that differ in the seat tube height by almost two inches (!).

1. Total BMX 657 X Frame – 6.95″

bmx 6.95 standover height
The Total BMX’s 657 X is Alex Coleborn’s signature frame, which you can tell from a mile away it’s for building a park machine.

Check my collection of the best BMX park frames.

2. WeThePeople Battleship Magnum Frame – 9.75″

bmx 9.75 standover height
On the contrary, the WeThePeople Battleship Magnum frame has a whopping 9.75″ standover, which is one of the tallest on the market today.

I thoroughly tested this frame, especially because of the seat tube height and absolutely loved it.

And no, it didn’t cause any issues with getting the frame around and my legs over it when doing a tailwhip.

I also have a collection of the ultimate BMX street frames.

Conclusion: Know Your Frame Specs

The standover height makes a BMX frame look completely different.

In short, when it’s LOW, it makes tailwhips easier.

And when it’s HIGH, it’s easier to pinch the seat with your knees, so barspins become easier.

Is one better than the other?

Not really.

Regardless of the frame you choose, both are barspin- and tailwhip-friendly.

So, in the end, it really is more of a personal preference.

  • Still, if you plan to whip the frame around multiple times, a low standover height is better.
  • On the contrary, if you’re only doing single tailwhips and are more into (technical) street riding, then going with a tall standover will do the trick.

Hence, it’s important that you don’t overlook the not-so-talked-about standover height.

I always check it because I like frames with higher seat tubes, like my ex. BSD Raider frame with a 9.5″ standover.

And my current Cult Biggie frame has an even higher, 9.65″, standover.

Was this article helpful?
Yes!No

Friendly Reminder: Save BIG On Dan's Comp! (Click Banner)
Disclosure: The BMX Dude's content is free & reader-supported. I may earn a commission if you click & buy through my links. Your support helps me create the best content & make a difference. Thanks! 🤘
About Author

Rok has been riding BMX for 20+ years, and when he's not having a session, he binges on videos, new product drops and works on creating the best content (sharing tips, tricks & more to make riding bikes easier for you) for The BMX Dude.