| Whether you're shopping for a bike or just admiring | | | | major differences in bicycle frames. Road bikes used |
| them, the first part you notice is probably the bicycle | | | | primarily for touring or recreational riding will have |
| frame. The frame is the heart of a bicycle, as well as | | | | frames with a more relaxed geometry and more total |
| its art. Including the basically triangular core structure | | | | horizontal spread front to back, while racing bikes will |
| that supports both seat and handlebars and the | | | | tighten that structure for a shorter front to back bike |
| extensions that attach to the wheels, the color and the | | | | length. A tighter triangle and less distance between the |
| geometry of the bicycle frame not only affects the | | | | bicycle frame and the tires acts to decrease the |
| beauty of the bike, but its strength and speed as well. | | | | resistance of wind and road for a racer, as well as to |
| The pleasure and success you derive from bicycle | | | | increase the bike's ability to respond to the quick, |
| riding will be strongly impacted by having the right | | | | minute maneuverings road racing requires. |
| frame for your physique and your purposes. | | | | There are several basic considerations to keep in mind |
| The Two Most Important Aspects of Bicycle Frames | | | | when choosing the correct bicycle frame for your |
| Are Their Materials and Their Configuration | | | | individual physique and your riding purposes. In addition, |
| Naturally, your bicycle frame will take into dramatic | | | | your unique body shape and weight will also affect |
| account whether you ride primarily on roads or | | | | what kind of bicycle frame is best for your comfort |
| off-road. Not only are so-called mountain bike frames | | | | and accomplishment. Standard frame measurements, |
| made of noticeably bigger "tubes," they are made of | | | | made along the seat tube of a frame, take into |
| more shock resistant materials, with stronger weldings. | | | | account the length of your legs, but the relationship of |
| Road bike frames have a smaller triangular geometry | | | | your torso length and arm length to the length of your |
| and the main consideration in their material is its weight. | | | | legs is also extremely important to comfort on a |
| Everything on a road bike is designed to keep the | | | | bicycle, and the length of the top tube of the bicycle |
| rider's resistance to a minimum in order to promote | | | | frame must also be examined. Two riders of identical |
| fluency and speed, while a mountain bike is designed | | | | height may need completely different bicycle frames. |
| with the primary goal of shock absorption and | | | | The best thing you can do is to shop at a bicycle store |
| maneuverability in mind alongside speed-influencing | | | | where knowledgeable riders earn their living and where |
| factors. | | | | you are allowed to try out a bicycle before buying it. |
| Even among these two main divisions, you will find | | | | |