How to Choose a Mountain Bike Frame

The frame is the core component of a mountain bike, onto which the wheels, fork, drive train and other components are mounted. Regardless of the quality of any other components a bike features, it is ultimately the frame that determines its overall use and value. In recent years, there have been many advances in biking, resulting in an almost intimidating variety of frame sizes, designs and materials. With a basic understanding of what options are available, you will greatly simplify the process of choosing a frame.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike shop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine your riding style. Riding styles include cross-country, all-mountain, freeride and downhill. Most riders, especially novices, fall into cross-country.

    • 2

      Decide on a budget. Mountain bike frames can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Having a maximum spending limit will help you make decisions concerning other options more easily.

    • 3

      Find the size that best suits your body and your riding style. Choose a smaller frame, which is easier to control, for aggressive riding styles that don't require much climbing, such as freeride and downhill. Choose a larger frame, which allows for maximum leg extension, for long cross-country riding or all-mountain, where you'll face a lot of climbing. Pay particular attention to how comfortable you are in the cockpit--the area from the saddle to the handlebars--and that your have 2" between your inseam and the top tube of the frame.

    • 4

      Choose the material of the frame. Choose chromoly steel for a low-cost, heavy, durable frame for use with any riding style. Choose aluminum for a good balance between price, weight and strength, again suitable for any riding style. Choose carbon fiber for a high-priced, light but less durable frame. Carbon fiber frames should not be used for aggressive riding, especially freeride and downhill.

    • 5

      Choose a frame with no rear suspension for maximum pedaling efficiency on mostly smooth trails, such as with cross-country and some all-mountain riding. Choose a full suspension frame for riding freeride, downhill and some all-mountain trails with many rocks and roots. Choose a frame with more travel in the suspension if you ride bumpier trails. Rear suspension, especially with high-quality components, will increase the price of the frame significantly.