Best Mountain Bike Frames

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word frame as "to construct by fitting and uniting parts of a skeleton to a structure." Without a frame the structure would collapse. This is true for everything, including mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are essentially modified frames. Not only would there be no bike without the frame, but riders must utilize the right frame for their riding styles. High-impact riding can bend or damage a frame that has not been constructed for that purpose. This is dangerous for the rider and ineffective, because once the frame is bent or damaged the bicycle becomes difficult to repair. The mountain bike frame is the defining factor, which determines what kind of riding a bicycle is best for.

  1. Design

    • Mountain bike frames are designed for rugged terrain such-as off road sites in the woods and rocky mountainous landscapes. They are designed for optimal clearance to navigate over rocks or logs as well as through ditches, ruts, old potholes and large mud puddles. Mountain bikes must be able to absorb high impact and handle stress. These bikes have sturdier reinforced frames than street cruiser style bicycles and they also have wider tires with thicker treads.

    Materials

    • The material used to build a mountain bike frame is very important because riders need a sturdy frame that can absorb impact but they also need something relatively light, easily transportable and rust resistant. The science of materials for mountain bike frames is constantly evolving. Currently, the most commonly found mountain bikes are made from steel, aluminum, carbon fiber or titanium. The materials range in durability, price and weight. Steel is relatively cheap and extremely durable, but it is prone to rust and somewhat heavy. Both aluminum and carbon fiber are lightweight and less expensive than titanium, but they are both liable to break after repeat abuse. And titanium, the best option, is the most expensive.

    Riding Styles

    • There are four different categories of mountain bike riding styles--cross country, downhill, free ride and trials. Cross country is the only mountain biking in the summer Olympics. Cross country terrain is usually considered to be moderate to easy and includes most flat surfaces. Downhill includes timed downhill races and free ride incorporates downhill riding with rugged terrain and dirt jumping. Free ride is currently the most popular, because it includes timed racing with navigation of obstacles and both uphill and downhill riding. The last style, trial or street riding, comes from motorcycle racing and incorporates a man-made obstacle course.

    History

    • Mountain biking did not really become mainstream until the 1970s when major bike manufacturers began to produce lightweight and durable frames which allowed experimental riders to venture off road. In the 1990s, mountain biking began gaining in popularity. Materials advanced and bikes got stronger, lighter and easier to navigate. There are currently several national mountain biking competitions at resorts across the United States.

    NORBA

    • The National Off-Road Biking Association is the authority when it comes to Mountain Biking in the United States. It has established the rules for competition in the United States, including the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championship, and is instrumental in choosing cyclists for the USA cross country team in the summer Olympics.