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Bicycle Frame

When you are selecting a frame you may want to pay attention to the materials it is made of. Common materials are steel and aluminum. Titanium and carbon fiber bicycle frames are also available but tend to be much more expensive.

Each material has a different strength and stiffness. Stiffness refers to how much the bicycle frame flexes during use – a frame that is not particularly stiff will bend laterally when the rider pedals hard, absorbing some of the stroke energy. The frame acts like a spring and returns most of this energy on the next stroke, but this causes the bike to feel ‘whippy’ and many riders dislike the sensation.

Aluminum is less stiff and less strong than steel, however it is far lighter. Generally manufacturers compensate for aluminum’s weakness by making frame tubes from aluminum thicker than they would be if they were steel. This results in a stiffer ride – most aluminum bicycle frames are considered to be stiffer than their steel counterparts for this reason.

Generally material comes down to a matter of preference and budget – most casual riders can’t afford a titanium bicycle frame, but steel and aluminum are relatively cheap. If you are an avid biker however, quality mountain bike parts are essential.

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