| Mountain bikes are everywhere. They have largely | | | | Hard tail frames are those that are designed to use a |
| taken over the road bike market, or at the very | | | | front suspension system, but still have the solid rear |
| least absorbed a sizeable chunk of it. Their huge | | | | geometry. Hard tail frames are used by both off-road |
| popularity means that finding components is relatively | | | | and commuter riders and are a popular platform from |
| easy, and most bike shops can supply you with | | | | which to design your own bike. One of the |
| whatever parts you might need, including mountain | | | | advantages many people cite is that these bicycles |
| bike frames. | | | | tend to be lighter due to the elimination of a rear |
| There are two basic types of frames; those that use | | | | suspension system. And because they don't "bounce" |
| suspension systems and those that do not. Those | | | | when you ride, they have a much higher pedaling |
| that use suspension systems can further be divided | | | | efficiency than do full suspension models. |
| into front suspension and full suspension | | | | Full suspension mountain bike frames are the frames |
| sub-categories. Each type of frame has its own | | | | of choice for most of today's serious off-road |
| unique characteristics and each has its own fan base | | | | cyclists. They are the ideal platform for aggressive |
| as well. | | | | trail and downhill riding due to their ability to absorb |
| Mountain bike frames that do not use suspension are | | | | shock and provide better stability for the rider. |
| the oldest style. These frames were used for the | | | | Modern bikes often include a suspension "lock out" |
| original mountain bikes and were largely abandoned | | | | which enables the rider to set the amount of cushion |
| when bike suspension first became en vogue. These | | | | provided by the suspension system. This can help |
| bikes, however, have recently seen a resurgence of | | | | pedaling efficiency for climbing. However, full |
| sorts, with many of today's young and hip preferring | | | | suspension frames are by far the most expensive |
| the "retro" style of this type of frame. They are | | | | models and are most often purchased by avid |
| especially popular for building a commuter bike and | | | | mountain biking enthusiasts. |
| can be seen all over urban America. | | | | |