Bike Frames, Tandem, and Road

Here at alan-bikeframes.com we are dedicated to teaching you about how to choose a bike frame that is right for you as well as providing important information about cycling.

If you’re looking to purchase a bike the first thing you’ll need to know about is the frame. It is the most important component and its material and shape will greatly affect the quality of your riding experience.

Materials for frames vary, but the simplest, and generally cheapest frames are steel – titanium and aluminum frames can provide an advantage in weight however, as they are generally lighter, however titanium can be expensive.

It is important that you choose the proper sized frame for your body. Trying to ride a bike that is a poor fit can result in discomfort or pain as well as preventing you from riding efficiently. This is especially true of bikes used on rough terrain, make sure you get the proper mountain bike parts. Each tube on the frame can vary in height or length, so it is important to be able to differentiate them. Generally measurements will be given for the seat tube and the top tube.

• The seat tube runs up and down the center of the diamond shape formed by the frame. It is the tube that the seatpost and saddle rest in.

• The top tube runs from the top of the seat tube to the front of the bike. On a standard diamond frame it will be nearly parallel with the ground, but it can also slope backwards. This type of frame is sometimes referred to as a women’s frame (as opposed to the diamond men’s frame – traditionally the low top tube allowed riding while wearing a skirt) but it can also be referred to as a low-step or step-through frame.

The tube that completes the triangle formed by the seat and top tubes is called the down tube. The chain stay and the seat stay connect the seat tube to the hub of the rear wheel.

Generally bike frames are measured by the length of the seat tube; however this can vary by manufacturer and not all frames are measured the same. The top tube measurement is equally as important as well, but not all manufacturers provide a measurement. It’s best to size up the frame in person due to these discrepancies. If you are an avid biker, its important to get a frame that fits you, especially for mountain bikes or racing bikes.

The type of frame you are looking for will depend on what you intend to use the bike for. Frames designed for speed and maximum power on the road generally have a steeply angled seat tube and a long chain stay – this positions the rider lower, which allows for better aerodynamics as well as providing a better pedaling position. However, it also sacrifices comfort. The rider will be leaning forward, putting more weight on the arms and wrists.

A more vertical frame, as well as a shorter top tube, will result in the rider sitting much more upright. This allows more of the weight to be put on the seat which results in a more comfortable ride. It will also result in better handling and greater efficiency while going uphill.

 

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