Bike Frames 101

The year that the first bicycle was built was 1817.easy to work with and can be made into a variety
This first bicycle was invented by German, Karl vonof different sized bike frames, including different tube
Drais, and was called the "swift walker." This namewidths to help make the bike lighter or heavier,
was given to this bicycle due to the fact that it diddepending upon your preferences.
not have any pedals and people "walked" rather thanA lighter weight option would be aluminum. This
rode on them. The first bicycles were constructed ofmaterial is very light, but it also has a big deficit. Due
a wood bike frame that had two wheels to supportto the lightness of this material, it is also very easy
this frame. The bike frame was covered by leatherto bend and this can be very bad. The high yield
for comfort. These first bike frames and thestrength of aluminum is why a larger diameter tube is
materials that they were constructed of haveused to help decrease the chance of the bike frame
undergone many changes in the years since this firstbending.
bicycle was invented.The most popular material for bike frames is titanium.
Tubular steel bike frames began to replace theTitanium has a natural shine and it will take you very
wooden frame during the latter part of the 1800s.little effort to keep it looking beautiful. It is on the
These bicycles were very strong, but they were alsohigh end of the price range, though, and this is why it
very heavy, which made them difficult to control andis not readily available to everyone. The strength of
ride. Steel is still a widely used material for biketitanium is amazing and it will keep its frame even
frames, but there are other materials that are veryafter a wreck.
popular as well, including titanium, carbon fiber, andCarbon fiber is one more material that is used for
aluminum. These lighter materials are mainly used inbike frames. This material has been widely used to
manufacturing the more expensive, high-end bikebuild boats for a long time and it is a strong material
frames.that holds up well to weight. It is even more
Material properties are important to keep in mindexpensive than titanium, though, which means that it
when designing your bike. Each material has its ownis only purchased by the rich or a professional racer.
unique properties and knowing their elasticity, ultimateBike frames come in several different designs, but
strength, and yield strength is essential in create thethe most popular design is the double triangle or
perfect bike for you. These properties need to be indiamond frame. Designers of bike frames have
the proper ratio for you to have a bike that willtweaked the design a little since the invention of the
withstand the type of riding that you do.1880s, especially with different materials. This has
Steel is the strongest material that you can get forhelped make the bike lighter and more aerodynamic.
bike frames. The strength of steel makes it safer inChanges may have been made to make it more
a crash for a ride. It is also less expensive and easycomfortable, but for the most part, it is the same
to find, which is a benefit for many riders. Steel isdesign as the very first bike.