| The frame of a mountain bike is the skeleton which | | | | frames are very affordable as well. However, its |
| holds the bike together. It is important to choose the | | | | greatest downside is that it will rust. Steel frames |
| right frame, because chances are, it is the part which | | | | have to be painted because any scratch or damage |
| you most likely will not be changing on a regular basis. | | | | could lead to rust, whereas other metal frames like |
| When choosing your bike frame, it is important to | | | | aluminium ones, can have a bare, unpainted look. |
| know what types of frames are available and what | | | | Aluminium is lightweight and is cheap to produce and |
| you will be using the bike for. | | | | is highly resistant to corrosion and therefore easy to |
| The two main types of mountain bike frames are | | | | maintain. Any damages are also relatively easy to |
| hard tail and full-suspension. You can probably already | | | | repair. It is easy to be made into any shape yet rigid, |
| guess their differences by their names. Hardtail | | | | hence ideal for full-suspension frames. |
| frames do not have suspension at the rear of the | | | | Carbon fiber is a composite. It is very lightweight and |
| frame and are usually less expensive and lighter. Since | | | | is used wherever weight needs to be shaved off. It |
| they offer less shock absorption, they are suitable | | | | combines the best properties of the various types of |
| for less rugged terrains like the casual ride in the park | | | | metal frame but it is relatively expensive. |
| and occasional more adventurous rides in the forests. | | | | When budget is not an issue, titanium is the choice. It |
| Bikes with full-suspension frames offer suspension | | | | is used by professionals because it is light and yet is |
| both at the front and the rear. Front suspension is | | | | as strong and rigid as steel. It is corrosion resistant |
| provided by the fork and rear suspension is fitted | | | | and is very durable. However, due to its high price |
| onto the frame. They are heavier than hardtail | | | | tag and light weight, it is seldom used for jumping |
| frames but absorb shocks better, so the rider can | | | | and downhill races. |
| ride longer and harder. As a result, they are chosen | | | | Now that you have an idea on the different types |
| for going over rugged terrains. However, that being | | | | and materials of a mountain bike frame, you have to |
| said, many cross country riders prefer hardtail ones | | | | decide what you want. The price of mountain bike |
| because the lighter and stiffer rear ends are better | | | | frames can range from a few hundred to a few |
| for acceleration and sprinting. | | | | thousand dollars. It is an individual choice because it all |
| Bike frames are generally made with steel, aluminium, | | | | boils down to what you will need it for and how |
| carbon fiber or titanium. Each of these materials has | | | | much you are willing to spend. Once you have |
| their own pros and cons. | | | | decided on that, go down to a bike shop and try out |
| Steel is strong and steel frames are available in a | | | | which frame size suits you. The bike shop personnel |
| wide range of prices that can cater to every type of | | | | should be able to advise you on how to choose the |
| rider. Its springy feel is a great attraction to those | | | | right frame size. Once that is done, go for a test ride |
| who prefer steel to aluminium. Repairs on steel | | | | and start having fun! |