Choosing the Right Road Bike Frame

There is no doubt that choosing a new bike can be a very daunting task. This task is made no easier by the sheer number of manufacturers, frames, component sets, and safety equipment available. When choosing a bike frame however you typically have four choices available; steel, aluminium, titanium, and carbon fiber. rnAlthough there are hybrid frames available not too many companies are making them. The old saying goes “you get what you pay for” and this is true of bike frames. A $150 steel frame will deliver a far poorer ride than a $1500 steel frame counterpart so it is safe to say that your budget will ultimately affect your bike frame choice. rnSteel Frames Steel frames have a distinctly classic look and many pro riders swear by them. Advances in manufacturing ensure that the old steel lugs common place in steel frames years ago have been replaced with TIG-welded joints. Coupled with frame tubes that are now made of varying thicknesses and today’s steel frames are much, much lighter. Although steel frames do offer a very comfortable ride, thin walled tubes can dent and steel frames can rust over time. Titanium Titanium bike frames are the most expensive type of frame on the market. These frames offer a fantastically comfortable ride, comparable to steel even, but are much lighter. The only downside is that titanium frames can flex a fair bit during sprints. Titanium frames typically do not rust or require painting. Aluminium If you are looking for an inexpensive but high performance bike then you can do far worse than consider an aluminium framed bike. A good entry aluminium bike will set you back about $600 to $800 which is far less than a steel bike counterpart weighing much more. Aluminium bikes also cost less than titanium bikes but you will metaphorically pay more with a slightly rougher ride. With the money that you safe on the frame you could invest in carbon fiber handle bars, seat post, and fork. Note that aluminium frames have the shortest life of any bike frames made of other materials of around five to ten years. Carbon Fiber Carbon Fiber frames are the choice of many pro riders offering a great comfortable ride that is also stiff in the sprint. Originally carbon fiber tubing was joined together using aluminium lugs and were not very successful but manufacturing advances have ensured that today’s carbon fiber frames are the strongest, lightest, and most comfortable frames available. In conclusion when choosing a new bike check out the various frame types available. rnWhere possible take the bike out for a test ride and get a general feel for the ride. Finally set yourself a budget and make sure you buy the right bike to suit you and your wallet.