The frame of a bike is arguably the most important component. Most other components can be easily upgraded which is why starting with a solid base is essential when building a new bike. Bike frames come in a number of different materials and sizes, however, which can make choosing the correct one for you difficult - especially if this is your first bike. Here are some of the most important considerations when buying a new bike frame.

The frame of a bike is where all the other parts are fitted. The wheels, suspension and other components are all attached to the frame. Most modern bike frames are made using two triangles which is commonly called a “diamond”d frame. The “step through” frame is a variation with a lower top tube which was first used for female bikes in order to allow women to get off while wearing a skirt.

A bike frame is made of a number of tubes. The main triangle of a diamond frame is made from a top, down and seat tube. The seat tube also makes up part of the secondary triangle which includes the paired chain and seat stays. The head tube is where the “headset” is attached to.

Before you begin searching for a new bike frame you need to think about where and how you’ll be using the bike. For example, a road bike frame is manufactured to be used on flat roads while a mountain bike frame needs to cope with a wider variety of terrain. Factors such as bike frame prices and weight also need to be taken into account.

The size of a bike frame is extremely important. There are a number of bike frame size charts which will help you to choose the right size for you.

Materials

The material used to manufacture the frame of a bike will have a number of consequences for the performance and feel of the bike. Each of the following materials has advantages and disadvantages which you need to take into account when looking for a bike frame for sale.

Steel Bike Frames

Steel bike frames are often used for beginners or children’s bikes. The advantage of a steel frame is that it’s solid and stiff which provides a reliable base to ride from. They are also probably the cheapest type of bike frame around. The downside is that steel frames are relatively heavy compared with other materials and hence generally aren’t suitable for speed or racing riders. For leisure riding a steel bike frame may be a good choice, however.

Aluminum Alloy Bike Frames

The advantage of an aluminum alloy bike frame is that it’s much lighter than steel alternatives. If you’re looking to increase your speed then buying a lighter frame is one way of doing so. Not only will an aluminum alloy frame lower the bikes overall weight but it’ll also allow for easier control.

The downsides to aluminum alloy road or mountain bike frames is that they aren’t as strong as steel and can be more expensive in some cases. To counteract the strength problem many bike manufacturers use thicker tubing. Low quality manufacturers may use low consistency aluminum which increases the chance of the frame breaking.

Steel and Titanium Alloy Bike Frames

These frames are in the middle of aluminum alloy and steel frames. They are lighter than pure steel but less likely to break than aluminum alloy bike frames and hence are better for more aggressive riding.

Carbon Fiber Bike Frames

If you want to take your biking to the next level then carbon fiber or titanium frames are the way to go. These are expensive but also light and strong.

Types

How you will be using a bike will largely decide which frame you need. Here are some of the most common types of frames.

Road Bike Frames

A road bike frame is designed to provide maximum power while at the same time being as light as possible. Air resistance is also an important part of road biking and hence the frames are built with drag in mind. There are two main types of road bike frames, those which have a sloping top tube or a horizontal one. These are called compact geometry and traditional geometry road bike frames.

Mountain Bike Frames

Mountain biking often takes place on rugged and uneven ground which is why shock absorbing suspension forks are used. Full suspension bike frames allow for suspension on the back and front while front suspension models only allow for a single set of shock absorbers.

BMX Bike Frames

BMX bike frames are typically much lighter than regular bike frames and are also very strong. This allows the frame to stand up to much more aggressive riding without breaking. Durability is essential with a BMX bike frame.

Brands

There are a number of different bike frame manufacturers. These include Raleigh, Kona, Carrera and Saracen. The brand that’s right for you depends on a number of different factors including which type of frame you need.