Frames

If you want to build a bike that is just right for you then the most important thing to get right is the frame.

The first thing that you need to decide on is what you intend to use the bike for; this could be either road or off road...

Road frames

Would you like Compact or Non-Compact?

With road frames you now get the choice of either a compact or non-compact frame, the difference here is the length of the seat tube. Non-compact is the more traditional design and is often favoured by many enthusiasts. Compact is the modern equivalent, which due to a shorter seat tube has a sloping top tube much like a mountain bike providing a better stand over height, making the bike safer to ride.

Please scroll down the page for help with sizing, materials and more...

Off-road frames

What sort of riding do you do?

Cross country

Here you get the choice of hard tail or full suspension this is a big choice and is mainly down to the riders' preference. Hard tail will be quicker up hills and on the flat and full suspension will be quicker downhill and on bumpy bits. Obviously full suspension will be more comfortable but is a bit heavier and is more expensive. Suspension frames normally come with the shock and with recently developments mean they are becoming more responsive and smoother.

Downhill

These are full suspension bikes with long travel and are heavily reinforced to take big impacts. Weight is not a huge factor here as they are only designed to go down not back up again. The length of travel is important as the longer the travel the bigger the impact you can take however it will not be as efficient when pedalling.

Freeride

A relatively new sport combining different aspects of mountain biking, such as downhill and dirtjumping, freeriding has progressed quickly in recent years, and is now recognised as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking.

As a result, Freeride bikes tend to be beefed down versions of their Downhill big brothers, sporting long travel to soak up big hits, but with more attention paid to wieght and agility.

Jump/Trails

These are hard tail bikes with a low stand over height and a high front end, which will push your weight towards to the rear of the bike. Most take a 26-inch wheel however there is a few which take a 24-inch wheel so it is worth checking this before you buy.

Additional considerations

A note on sizing

Bike sizes are given on seat tube length, most manufacturers measure from the centre of the crank axle - bottom bracket - to the centre of the seat tube where it joins the top tube. Always check how measurements are done - some bikes are measured centre to top of seat tube, which can make a big difference. Seat tube length provides your stand over height - the amount of clearance between your crotch and top tube, which should be 3-4inches on a mountain bike and compact road bike though less is needed on a non-compact road frame. The second important measurement is the reach - controlled by the distance along the top tube.

To a certain degree reach can be adjusted with stem lengths and by moving the saddle however these are only for minor adjustments, changing stem length dramatically can alter the handling of the bike.

Getting the correct size is critical for you to feel comfortable and in control on your bike. If possible try several different bikes and ask an expert to check your position for you.

Forks, headset , seatpost and bottom bracket

A lot of road frames now come with forks and sometimes headset and seatpost. If your frame doesn't then you need to make sure that you know exactly what you need to get for your frame, this also include bottom bracket.

What is your bike made out of?

Last but not least you get the choice of material you want your frame made out of. Starting with Steel it gives you a great feel to the ride at a low price point, however it will tend to be slightly heavier than alternatives and lacks the stiffness needed for maximum efficiency. Next will come Aluminium which appears in amateur bikes right up to top of the line cycles, it provides a stiff and responsive ride and can be made very light whist maintaining its strength if well built. Carbon fibre is now generally considered to be the ultimate frame material and is the first choice of most racers. It is very light, strong, absorbs vibration and expensive to make (near perfect for the serious riders amongst you). Finally there is Titanium, which comes at a high price and provides a great ride, it is the sexiest material around which looks and feels super smooth.