| When choosing a bike frame there are some key | | | | comfortable seat which can absorb the heavy impact |
| points you should keep in mind. Firstly, and most | | | | involved with this type of riding. Look for gel padding, |
| importantly, what type of biking will you be doing, as | | | | cushioning and shapes designed for comfort and your |
| this will determine the type of bike you choose. Then | | | | seat shouldn't give you too much bother. |
| there are things to consider like size, handles, the seat, | | | | Hybrid, comfort and mountain bikes feature suspension |
| suspension and the actual material of the frame. Bikes | | | | forks. Suspension forks make riding over rough tracks |
| can be an expensive item to buy, especially if you are | | | | easier and reduce the impact on your body when you |
| an avid rider and want a high quality racing machine. | | | | bounce off rocks and trees. Comfort bikes are great |
| Manufacturers will give you a recommendation of the | | | | for beginners as they offer riders the ability to use |
| size of bike you should be buying, however personal | | | | them on the road and over uneven surfaces at a |
| preference can sometimes be at odds with this, just | | | | more intermediate level than dedicated road or |
| remember to go for a bike that feels right for you. | | | | mountain bikes do. Types of suspension change |
| To find the approximate size of frame you should be | | | | between bikes and manufacturers. Two-wheel |
| looking for, take the measurement of your inner leg. | | | | suspension is becoming more popular although the |
| For a mountain bike you should deduct 12 inches from | | | | majority of bikes feature front suspension only. |
| the length, and for a road bike take off 9 inches. So if | | | | What type of biking you do and if you have any |
| you have a leg measurement of 34, you should be | | | | special requirements will help you to decide what |
| looking for a bike frame of 22 inches for a mountain | | | | material your frame should be made out of. One of |
| bike and 25 inches for a road bike. When you stand | | | | the hardest and most durable materials that bike |
| over the bike crossbar or top tube, your feet should sit | | | | frames are made of is Titanium. Professional mountain |
| firmly on the ground and there should be enough top | | | | bikers often use titanium bike frames, sometimes as |
| tube clearance so that you are safe during your ride. | | | | part of a mix with a more lightweight material such as |
| For a mountain bike, it is advised that you have | | | | carbon fibre or aluminium. These two latter materials |
| between 3"-5" of clearance, and 2"-4" for a road bike. | | | | are extremely lightweight so for hill climbers and |
| If you prefer to be sat in a more upright position when | | | | mountain bikers who are looking for easy |
| you are riding, you can choose a slightly taller frame so | | | | manoeuvrability, these are good materials to pick. Steel |
| long as you still have enough tube clearance. Mountain | | | | is the most commonly used material in bike frames. It is |
| bikes need a larger clearance zone because of the | | | | durable and strong so it can be used on road or |
| rough terrain that they experience. | | | | mountain bikes. Chromium-molybdenum steel is lighter |
| The handle and seat on a bike can make or break a | | | | than Carbon steel however both offer the same |
| riding experience when it comes to comfort. On a road | | | | strength. |
| bike, most people prefer down turned handles so that | | | | These are just some factors to consider when you |
| they can get low in the saddle and relax the back | | | | are choosing which bike to buy. You do not have to |
| whilst the seat is positioned quite high. Mountain bikers | | | | stick firmly to them as the most important thing is that |
| on the other hand like flat handles which can be easily | | | | you are comfortable with your bike and are able to |
| manoeuvred to tackle the uneven terrain and a | | | | ride it without feeling unsafe. |