Bicycling traces its origins back 300 years as the brainchild of French mathematician Jacques Ozanam, who envisioned a vehicle powered by the rider and unencumbered by the care and feeding requirements of horses, according to David V. Herlihy, author of the book "Bicycle: The History." Modern high-tech bicycles have carved out an important place as both recreational vehicle and viable mode of transportation. New developments in design and materials, such as the aerodynamic, commonly referred to as aero frame, continue to push the...
The introduction of bicycles made from lighter metals, such as aluminum, made heavy, rust-prone steel frames obsolete. These new materials sparked innovation in frame construction. Two of the current methods for building an alu...
A bike that is too large may present problems when you try to get on it and when you stop. It is not difficult to figure out the frame needed for a bike to fit you properly. However, each person is different, so there is no exa...
Steel bike frames are made of tubing that's welded at connection points, such as the headset, bottom bracket and the rear stays. Hard riding and extreme bike tricks can flex the frame beyond structural tolerances, causing it to...
In addition to supporting the rider, aluminum frames have platforms that support the bike's components. Various kinds of frame failure can result from impacts or improper maintenance.
Many bike frames are not perfectly aligned. Typically, frame alignment is not issue unless you are experiencing certain performance problems. Three triangles are associated with frame alignment as it relates to performance. The...
Bicycle and motorcycle frames are made from welded tube steel or metal alloy. Aggressive riding and spills can result in cracks at any of the welded joins. Most cracks occur where the frame joins the steering headset or the sea...
The lightweight frame of the Kona mountain bike is constructed from aluminum and scandium alloy. Choosing a Kona frame that corresponds with your physical dimensions will enable you to maintain control of the bike. According to...
Bicycles are meticulously designed to get the most power and motion out of your legs' movement, which is why a well-fitted bicycle can help you go faster. Finding the right frame size for your leg length can be complicated, but...
Instead of having a top tube that connected at the top of the seat tube to form a sturdy triangle, ladies' bikes had a top tube that connected farther down, allowing riders to more easily step over the frame to accommodate skir...
The design of the suspension lets you ride over almost any terrain. The suspension absorbs the rocks, bumps and potholes that your body would normally feel when riding on a hardtail mountain bike. Measure your full-suspension b...
In addition to the makes, models and types of bicycles on the market, there are also a variety of frame sizes. Though this may seem to add more complications to the process, knowing which bike frame size is best suited to yo
The materials of the frame vary based on the intended terrain and discipline of riding. BMX bike frames are often constructed from a lightweight alloy material known as chromoly. According to ESPN, the lightest bike frames in t...
Trek specializes in durable mountain bikes that can withstand rugged backcountry trails and high-impact jumps. While no two riders have the same physical dimensions, Trek offers its signature bike frames in a variety of sizes. ...
Many materials are used in the construction of modern bike frames, and each has its pros and cons. Though their explosion in popularity is relatively recent, aluminum bike frames date back to the late 19th century; the St. Loui...
Buying a new bicycle can often cost you more than $1,000, with the bike frame ranking as one of the most expensive components. Save yourself money and buy a used bike frame. While you don't really need to worry about frame cond...
A bike frame pump is an air inflation device that attaches to the frame of your bike. Attachable pumps give you a way to inflate tires in a pinch. The pump sits on the vertical bar that extends between the pedals to just below ...
Determining what type of bike you want to ride is only the first step, however. Choosing a bike that is the proper size will reduce your risk of injury and make the long rides during your triathlon more comfortable. The bike fr...
Frames come in many materials: Aluminum and carbon are just two possibilities. The material used to make the frame adds a distinctive element to the bike, and knowing the features of each can help you make the appropriate selec...
The materials used to make these frames, and the design used to determine the best weight and construction of the bicycle, can be very expensive to research and design. For that reason, your bike frame is an investment that you...
You take care to drive carefully and service your car regularly to prevent damage, and the same care should be given to your bicycle. Proper maintenance and safety precautions can help extend the life of your bike frame.
Carbon fiber is becoming a popular component in bicycle frames, yielding light yet strong bikes. Traditionally made of aluminum, steel and titanium, desirable bike frames have the right blend of strength, stiffness and weight. ...
The vertical seat tube varies in length based on the size of the frame. An oversized seat tube will make it difficult to dismount the bike. Perform a basic fitting test to determine the stand over height of the bike frame.
The argument between steel and aluminum frame proponents is a very heated one, and it stands to last for a long time. These two metals are the most common materials for all bike frames, from a child's tricycle to world champion...
The size of the frame will directly affect your ability to control the bike. The dimensions of the bike frame fluctuate based on the riding style and intended terrain. While certain high-speed genres of biking require a bulky f...
Finding the right size bike frame for your body is essential for speed, comfort and safety. You will feel cramped, experience more wind resistance and won’t handle the bike as effectively on a frame that is too small. A b...
A correctly sized bike should correspond with the unique dimensions of your body. The size of the bike frame varies depending on the specific genre of cycling. An over-sized bike frame can make even the simplest of maneuvers qu...
Steel and titanium bike frames each present advantages and disadvantages for their owners. To pick the perfect frame for your ride, consider several factors, including your body weight, geographic location and sense of style be...
When it comes to custom lowrider bike frames, Bondo is the catalyst that makes it happen. You may have the idea for a chopper tank or a bobbed fender, or even a trick fairing that acts as a splash guard. A more conservative app...
Unfortunately, there are no standard sizes for mountain bike frames, or even standard ways with which to measure the size. Sizes vary between manufacturers, and also between different lines of bikes built by the same manufacturer.
Many people put emphasis on the look and accessories of a bicycle, but frame size is one of the most important features of the bike you choose. The frame needs to be in proportion to your body. When the frame is the correct siz...
Whether you speed around a track, wheel around town or take long road trips, you benefit from the light design, but your body build and riding style both influence the particular frame size that will best suit your riding needs.
Your budget will also factor into what type of bike frame you should purchase. If you are on a limited budget, you may not be able to afford the better types of frames, such as titanium and carbon. The least expensive frame cho...
Touring bikes aren't strictly necessary for riding the country's scenic byways, but they can make your trip much more enjoyable. While your regular road or mountain bike can always get you there and back, touring bikes have ple...
Three-wheeled adult bicycles, known as trikes, have several advantages over traditional diamond-framed bikes or even recumbent bikes. While trikes of the past were simply redesigned upright bicycles built with three wheels, new...
A properly sized bicycle is also a wise safety precaution. But fitting for a bike isn't an exact science because there is no industry standard for bike measurements. Various brands may measure their bikes in slightly different ...
Alloys are metals with other elements added to improve properties like strength or stiffness. Alloy frames are a relatively recent introduction to the world of bicycling. While models of aluminum bikes date from as far back as ...
There are many methods, tricks and formulas for choosing a bike frame size. The frame size refers to the length of the seat tube, which can be measured center-to-center or center-to-top, resulting in even more confusion. Using ...
Bicycle frame sizes are a frequent source of confusion for the new bike purchaser. Frame sizes are not standard across models or manufacturers, so a perfectly fitting 50-cm frame size may not be available in another model. In g...
In comparison to the average male, the average female typically possesses a shorter torso, shorter arms, narrower shoulders, smaller hands and an overall shorter height. The differences in body size between male and female cycl...
Carbon fiber and aluminum are newer and increasingly popular substitutes for the original bike frame material, steel. In the early 21st century, carbon fiber gained a reputation for being lightweight and the latest frame techno...
Bicycles are measured according to their frame size. Bike frame size in turn is defined by the length of the seat tube--the vertical part of the frame that supports the seat and seat post assembly. Choosing a bicycle with the p...
The right size bicycle does more than provide you with a comfortable ride. Properly sized bikes reduce strain and give you better control. Unlike bikes for children, adult bicycles are measured by frame size. Frame size is dete...
While you used to be able to measure a bike frame in seconds, bicycle writer Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery in West Newton, Massachusetts, notes that "nobody knows how to measure a bicycle's seat tube any more." You'll need to...
Bike manufacturers define frame size in terms of the vertical length of a bicycle's seat tube. This provides a good starting point for determining if a bike frame is the right size for your body. Individuals vary in physical pr...
Today, you can find BMX riders competing in the X Games performing dangerous tricks and stunts. The BMX bicycle is built for both racing and freestyle, with no age limit on the rider. Measure your BMX bike frame to know if it t...
As frame size increases, the seat tube and top tube lengths increase proportionally. While the exact point of measurement varies, frame size is measured along the length of the seat tube. The exact method of measuring frame siz...
One of the key considerations when purchasing a new bike is frame material. Two of the most common frame materials are aluminum and steel. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each material will help the consumer m...
The most basic design is a "diamond" frame and consists of two triangular shapes created by welding tubes together. The triangles share a tube that runs from the seat down to the pedals of the bike. The front triangle supports ...
