The cost of a mountain bike frame is proportionate to
its material, as well as the treatment that material
has received.
Currently, there are five types of materials used in mountain bikes – high tensile steel,
chromoly steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber.
Oversized diameters, heat treating, and butting are
tubing material treatments that will increase the
cost of a frame as well.
How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike Frame
Before buying a new Mountain Bike Frame, it is important to know how to select the right frame size. There are several factors to consider such as your torso length, reach, stack height, and Carbon fiber. Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect frame for you. You can also take into account the type of material you prefer. Ultimately, you should choose a frame size that fits your riding style and the terrain you typically ride.
Seat tube length
There are several factors to consider when buying a new mountain bike frame. Seat tube length is one of them. A bike’s seat tube length should be about two inches longer than the rider’s seat. In addition to the frame’s length, the seat tube should be at least an inch shorter than the rider’s height. Mountain bikes often have short seat tubes, but a longer one will make them more comfortable for the rider.
Seat tube length is an important part of bike fitting, and you should know how to measure it properly. A standard seat tube length is 21 to 23 inches long, or 53 to 58 cms. A bicycle size chart uses the seat tube length, the rider’s height, and the inseam length. It’s simple to measure the seat tube length of a mountain bike by standing with your legs spread out and holding a measuring tape at the center of each leg.
Reach
The reach of a mountain bike frame is the horizontal distance between the bottom bracket and the head tube. It can greatly affect your bike’s stability and range of motion. A long reach makes it difficult to move forward on the bike, and a short reach can make you sit too far forward.
Measure the stack and reach of your current bicycle. To do so, raise the head tube about five centimeters. You can also raise or lower the handlebars. The primary fit dimensions are the stack and reach measurements of a mountain bike frame. Make sure that yours fit comfortably in your current position. Make sure you have the proper space for your handlebars and saddle. You can also increase your stack by installing headset spacers and handlebar rise.
Stack height
When choosing a mountain bike frame, you should pay attention to the stack height, which is the distance between the head tube and the bottom bracket. This measurement is important for XC and marathon racers who want to lower their bar height. Stack height can also help you determine how low to set the handlebars, giving a general idea of how far down your bike should steer. Many people fixate too much on the head angle when looking at frame geometry, but judging your ride is not a foolproof way.
The stack height is the vertical distance between the bottom bracket and the top of the head tube, considering fork and seat post height. Stack height is also important for getting the proper height for the handlebars and the stem. A bike with a low stack may be difficult to use if you’re trying to pedal.
An A-frame with a high stack is more forgiving for beginners, as it will allow you to adjust the handlebars to a more comfortable height.
- Tectonic T2 aluminum frame is designed to be lighter and stronger than ever
- 29 and 27. 5 wheel and tire options for a wide range of terrain and riding styles
- 144 mm rear hub spacing creates a more stable and rigid hardtail
- Internal cable routing allows for neat, clean lines while providing added protection
- Kraton lock-on grips provide added comfort and security
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Carbon fiber
The seat stay and chainstay are the two pieces of the rear triangle of a carbon fiber mountain bike frame. The seat stay is the part of the frame that holds the front wheel in place while the chain and front fork hold the bike’s rear wheel. A carbon fiber mountain bike frame is durable, light, flexible, and responsive and is nearly impossible to dent. Its stiffness also helps the bike ride smoothly over rugged terrain. Carbon fiber is also lightweight, which aids riders during uphill riding, challenging routes, and fast peddling.
Unlike metals, carbon fiber is designed specifically for bicycle frames. This gives them tremendous strength-to-weight ratios. This enables manufacturers to build lightweight frames with stiff but durable components. Although metals are stronger than carbon fiber, they do not have the same stiffness, and therefore a bad crash can crack or break a carbon fiber frame. The union cyclo-athletes of the world enacted a rule that a bicycle should weigh no more than fifteen pounds.
Aluminum alloy frames
An aluminum alloy mountain bike frame is very lightweight and easy to handle compared to steel or aluminum. Because aluminum is cheaper than steel, manufacturers can mass-produce them in a factory. In turn, this results in fewer man-hours required. As a result, aluminum frames are used in many budget mountain bikes, including those found at Walmart. However, there are some disadvantages to owning an aluminum frame mountain bike.
As with all metals, aluminum bikes are sensitive to weather conditions. While it is lightweight and less expensive than steel, it does not dampen vibration as well as other materials. This makes aluminum frames susceptible to rust. If you plan to ride in rainy areas, you should avoid owning an aluminum frame. If you’re unsure, you can always purchase a bike made from steel. Nonetheless, it is best to shop around for the right frame material.
Non-butted frames
The primary difference between a non-butted and a butted mountain bike frame is the degree of butting. A non-butted bike frame is made from straight gauge steel tubing. However, the use of butting significantly increases the price. Using butted tubing means that the walls are the same thickness on both ends of the frame, but the middle portion of the frame is thinner. This results in a lighter frame, but at the expense of stiffness and sturdiness.
When comparing non-butted mountain bike frames, one must understand that although butted frames are more expensive, they tend to have superior ride quality. Generally, the difference in weight is not significant, and a decent frame will be made of sufficient quality. In most cases, the non-butted frames are cheaper. Therefore, it’s important to choose one that will fit your needs. The difference in weight is usually only a couple of pounds but can be significant.
High tensile steel
This is a very durable alloy that’s found in lower-priced mountain bikes.
It offers a high carbon content which makes it less stiff than Chromoly steel, so more materials are needed to make it stiff enough for bicycle frames, which will, in turn, make it that much heavier.
Relatively inexpensive to produce, you’ll find the material in trail bikes, city bikes, and even entry-level mountain bikes.
Some bikes come with a Chromoly seat tube, while the rest are high tensile steel.
Chromoly steel
Chromoly is best described by its major additives – chromium and molybdenum- short for steel alloy.
This is probably the most refined framing material, giving over 100 years of dependable service.
Depending on the type of heat treating and butting, you can find this material in bikes as low as 400 dollars up to 1,500 and beyond.
The Chromoly steel material offers very good durability and a compliant ride characteristic.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Aluminum
For the past 15 years, aluminum has been refined in pretty much the same way as Chromoly.
Various alloys have been developed, as well as heat treatment, oversizing, and butting.
With dual suspension bikes, aluminum is the preferred material as it’s the stiffest and most cost-effective.
Aluminum is stiffer than Chromoly, and therefore it will crack before Chromoly.
Of course, this depends on how you ride and how much abuse you give the frame.
The advantage of aluminum is that the frame is light and stiff through oversizing or butting.
Titanium
Even though it’s somewhat exotic, the prices for this material have decreased over the last few years.
Frames made of titanium remain expensive because welding tubes to the frame takes longer.
Titanium is an alloy, normally mixed with small amounts of vanadium and aluminum to give it better weldability and ride characteristics.
More compliant than Chromoly, it offers better fatigue and corrosion properties.
The material you choose for your bike all depends on where you ride and what style you use.
Almost all materials will last you for years as long as you take care of your bike and treat the frame respectfully.
