1. Inexpensively Sufficient
Many starter mountain bike frames are constructed out of high-tensile steel. These frames are durable and hold up well if your bike has a run-in with a tree. Because high-tensile steel is an alloy with a high carbon content, it tends to be a bit flexible. More materials are needed to stiffen it up to make it suitable for mountain bike frames. More materials means your frame is heavier, which is fine for the weekend trail warrior. High-tensile steel frames are on the lower end of the price range.
2. A History of Toughness
Chromoly steel has been used in bike frames for more than a century. Mostly consisting of chromium and molybdendum, chromoly steel produces a lighter bike frame than high tensile steel. Like it's other steel counterpart, a chromoly steel frame is extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. This type of frame can be found on inexpensive starter bicycles as well as expensive high-end mountain bikes.
3. Lose Some Weight
If steel frames are too heavy for your taste, give aluminum a shot. An aluminum frame is an easy way to take weight off your mountain bike and is the preferred frame for most dual-suspension bikes. However, what you lose in weight, you'll also lose in durability. An aluminum frame won't hold up nearly as well as a steel frame in a crash. Aluminum is stiffer than chromoly and will likely crack if it's frequently abused by rough trails and jumped off large rocks. However, you won't have to worry about finding rust on your aluminum frame.
4. Resiliently Titanium
A titanium mountain bike frame gives you the durability of steel and the lightness of aluminum. Titanium mountain bike frames are remarkably resilient and can withstand abuse from the toughest downhill riders. These frames are generally found on the higher end of the price range. Titanium frames have a natural gleam that make them as aesthetically appealing as they are functional.
5. The Carbon-Fiber Conundrum
Carbon-fiber mountain bike frames are great because they're still enough to absorb the shock of unforgiving terrain and are strong enough to survive a collision. These frames are also susceptible to cracks because of their composition. Carbon-fiber frames are made by braiding fibers of carbon and affixing the braids with epoxy. These frame are much easier to mold than metal alloy frames. Like aluminum and titanium frames, carbon-fiber frames are incredibly light. Carbon-fiber mountain bike frames tend to be more expensive than other frames.
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