Bicycle frames: varieties and selection criteria

A bicycle consists of a large number of parts, each of them performs important functions and is indispensable. One of those is the frame.

A frame for a bicycle is like a skeleton for a person. Such a rough comparison allows you to visualize the functionality of this important detail. Only this structural element cannot be replaced with a new one.. In case of failure, you will have to buy a new vehicle.

Also, the bicycle frame should be lightweight, but this requirement is secondary in importance. Therefore, do not chase lightness and base your choice of cycling on this indicator. This can lead to a low-ride bike.

A few more points can be added to this list of requirements:

• vibration damping demonstrates the ability of the frame to smooth shocks and reduce working vibrations;
• maintainability of the frame enables the user to carry out repairs after the end of the warranty period.

Bicycle frames are available in a wide variety, but their arrangement is much similar. There is a basic set of structural parts that are found in the structure of almost all frames.

• Front triangle (despite the name, consists of four pipes, not three) includes:
  • steering glass;
  • three pipes: main, upper, seatpost.
• As for the back triangle, then its design consists of a set of parts:
  • seatpost;
  • carriage assembly;
  • upper and lower feathers;
  • Dropouts are brackets that serve as a wheel mount for the rear.

Also, any type of frame is equipped with individual elements that are needed to install some specific components:

• the steering column is inserted into the steering glass;
• the carriage is placed in a special hole;
• the seatpost, together with the seat, is also inserted into a special hole.

This concept plays a crucial role in the formation of the main characteristics and functional features of the cycle. Geometry is directly related to the shape, dimensions of the pipes, the angles at which they are interconnected. The most important of them are the following characteristics:

• the angles of inclination of the seat tube, as well as the steering glass;
• the length of the upper and seatposts.

Many manufacturers indicate on their models the dimensions that apply to the frame. These indicators need to be guided, because it is on them that the choice of any bicycle should be based:

• Saddle height speaks of the height of the seat, in other words, the distance from the center of the carriage and the midpoint of the saddle;
• Stack - the vertical gap from the center point of the carriage to the topmost area on the steering column;
• under the concept Reach horizontal distance is meant that starts from the center point of the carriage and ends at the top of the steering column;
• the concept Bottom braket drop can be translated as carriage indent, which will indicate the degree of underestimation of the center of the carriage with respect to the center of the rear hub;
• under Handlebar drop implies indentation of the steering wheel or the vertical difference between the upper extreme points of the saddle and steering wheel;
• Saddle seatback denotes the indentation of the seat or the horizontal distance from the front point of the saddle from the central portion of the carriage;
• under Standover height implies the full height, in other words, this is the distance between the ground and the upper pipe related to the front triangle;
• Front center denotes the gap between the center points of two components: the carriage and the front sleeve;
• under the concept Toe overlap it means the distance from the user's foot mounted on the pedal to the front wheel when making a turn.

The geometry of the frame structure determines the important characteristics of the bicycle, namely its behavior, stability, steering responsiveness, acceleration, user comfort, braking and, of course, dynamics. Therefore, it is so important to study the basic geometry parameters in detail before buying a bicycle.

• Top tube originates in the central part of the steering column, and ends in the center of the seatpost. The stability of the transport and its maneuverability depend on this value - with an elongated pipe it will be better to conduct transport on the road.

• Steering angle (cup) is formed between the desired element and a vertical line located exactly parallel. With the increase of this parameter, the ability of the bicycle to make maneuvers improves.

• Seatpost Angle obtained due to its inclination relative to a straight parallel. The shift of the center of gravity, the bicycle's predisposition to extreme riding and the quality of traction on the road surface depend on it.

• Wheelbase determined by the distance between the center points of the two bushings. An increase in the indicator will entail an increase in stability, maneuverability, stability.

• Lower feathers the rear triangle, as a rule, start from the central part of the carriage assembly and end in the center of the rear wheel hub. The shorter this length, the higher the strength and reliability of the frame structure. Also, adhesion indicators go to a higher level.

• Clearance Is the distance to the bicycle bearing assembly. This indicator has a direct impact on the cross-country ability and speed.With an increase in clearance, the behavior of the bicycle becomes more confident, which is relevant for difficult road conditions. Along with this, the speed indicators are falling, therefore the golden mean is important in this indicator.

• Stem length determines the ability of the bicycle to maneuver, which is relevant for urban and extreme conditions.

Frames for bicycles are made from all kinds of materials, each of which has its own advantages as well as disadvantages.

• Steel frame There are two varieties: they are made of chromium with molybdenum or made of structural tensile steel. The first option is more preferable due to the use of butting technology. Chromium-molybdenum pipe turns out to be lighter, if we take into comparison similar models made of structural steel. Steel frames look elegant, but they are afraid of corrosion - this is their biggest problem. It is easily solved by maintaining the paintwork in good condition.

• Aluminum varieties of frames They are not made from pure aluminum because it is very soft. To increase the strength characteristics, silicon and zinc can be added to it. By the first digit of the designation of the alloy, you can find out about the base metal, which is also called alloying. In the 5000 series, the strengthening is achieved through magnesium, in the 6000 series due to silicon. Compounds 7000 are based on aluminum and zinc; magnesium is present in small quantities. Raw materials with a large amount of magnesium are most exposed to corrosion. The main disadvantage of aluminum structures is the ability to accumulate fatigue deformations. Because of this, the welding spots and contact joints are weakened.

• Titanium construction It stands out for its long service life. Its strength is on par with steel frames. The main advantage is high resistance to corrosion. It is difficult to work with titanium structures, because such frames differ in impressive cost. Such parts are usually found on expensive sports bikes that are chosen by professionals. Not every beginner athlete or just an amateur can afford such a purchase.

• Carbon Velorama It is created from a multicomponent material where thermosetting resins and carbon fibers are present. Only carbon fiber can change stiffness in the right direction. Even at the production stage, the direction in which the carbon filaments will be woven is selected: it can be transverse or longitudinal. The strength of the product depends on the amount of resin between the carbon “matter”: the more it is, the lower the rate. During overloads, the brittle resin is primarily destroyed, only then the threads suffer.

Carbon frames are available in two versions: composite and monocoque. In the first case, the design is assembled from individual parts. The second option is more reliable, because the frame is solid.

• Magnesium frames - This is very rare, because this material is expensive. A lighter frame does not yet exist. Such designs perfectly reduce vibrations, but before point hits they are powerless. Also, magnesium is afraid of corrosion and exposure to aggressive environments. Magnesium is absolutely not suitable for cycling, since heavy loads are fatal for frames of this kind.

• Chrome frame weighs more than aluminum. But this material is well repairable. Also, chromol perfectly dampens vibrations.

All existing frames, which are the basis of bicycles, are divided into two large categories.

• Female species may have a slightly lower upper pipe, and may be produced without it at all. When creating such designs, the features of the female body are taken into account, because they are the most convenient and comfortable option for cyclists.
• Men's frames - these are constructions familiar to everyone, without any obvious differences. They are more common.

Off-road bicycles are divided into the following types:

• hardtail there are no rear suspensions, as well as rear shock absorbers, so this design is ideally suited for MTV (mountain bike);
• soft tail It is designed for off-road vehicles with a pair of shock absorbing devices, this kind of frame is not designed for jumping, but it copes with bumpy roads perfectly;
• two-hanging variety with a rear shock absorber is designed for active driving, the installation of the trunk is not provided;
• tandem off-road frame allows you to install wide tires and suspension forks on the bike.

Road structures are available in the following varieties:

• classic version designed for city bike, has a vertical seat arrangement, allows you to install the trunk;
• bike ride It is characterized by excellent aerodynamics and dynamic coasting, it is developed for low landings, there are no fastenings for the trunk;
• rigid available for bicycles without a shock absorber, which can be used on an exceptionally flat road for hard driving;
• cyclocross needed to perform maneuvers, as well as for driving on rough roads;
• cycling tours - the best option for long rides and trips, they have a streamlined design and a high level of comfort, it is possible to install two luggage racks at once;
• tandem frames designed for double bikes.

They deserve special attention folding bike frames. Most of them are characterized by small size and the presence of a hinge in the middle of the pipe. Some models are equipped with a telescopic mechanism that makes it easy to extend / fold the steering wheel and saddle.

• Stark - This is one of the most affordable brands to look at. This is not another Chinese company with base fakes, but a promising manufacturer with great ambitions and plans for the future. Trial frames stand out from the presented assortment.

• Atom - A Russian manufacturer that offers affordable bikes of good quality.

• Merida not all cyclists are respected, but in our ranking there was still a place for her. It was at this facility that lightweight magnesium alloy frames began to be produced, which were offered at an affordable cost. Bicycles of this company are characterized by an optimum ratio of cost and quality.

• Author - the most promising company from our rating. Cross-country frames deserve attention. They are stately and moderately tough, therefore they are equally suitable not only for racing, but also for marathons and tourism.

• Scott - This is an American company that is very popular in the global market, not to mention the national one. The range consists of many models, among which each user can choose the desired option.

• Gary fisher is the most famous company in the world bicycle market. A giant of the industry in which he established himself exclusively on the positive side. This company owns a large number of brands. High quality, worthy execution, innovation, exceptional performance - what else does a cyclist need?

• Trek makes worthy competition to the previous manufacturer. Among Russian users earned high recognition.Many models from the initial to the professional level, with sturdy frames that are created from innovative alloys.

The frame is selected based on two important criteria.

1. User growth. For a person with a short stature (from 155 to 162 cm), a frame with an XS size (51 cm) is more suitable. It’s worth adding only a few cm to the length of the frame, and it will already be designed for users with height from 162 to 170 cm. Cyclists up to 182 cm should look at frames of size M. Design L is suitable for people with height up to 192 cm. Two-wheeled vehicle with The XL frame will be convenient for cyclists above 192 cm. If you choose a model for risky riding, then you need to choose a frame smaller than indicated above. Such a secret will allow you to get a more controlled and maneuverable transport.
2. Weight also needs to be considered.. Typically, large-sized frames are characterized by increased strength, which is achieved by increasing the thickness of the material. Overweight users should look at models with a reinforced frame, which will be characterized by an increased diameter, more durable alloy and thick walls.

See the following video for how to choose the material for the bike frame.