Guest Author - Kay Barnett

If you’re new to cycling or to plan to upgrade here’s a simple guide to the different types of bicycles available and their purpose. In this article we’ll look at the types of cycle frame.

One of the most fundamental things to look for is the quality of the cycle frame. If you purchase a bike with a good frame, it'll be possible for you to upgrade almost everything else on the bike (such as the gear system, better brakes, and more responsive tyres, etc.) allowing you to progress and develop your riding ability. Here are some types of cycle frames to consider…



Steel Frames

Steel frames are strong, stiff and sturdy. As steel is a stiff material, these frames make a good stable ride and are well suited to beginners. They are perhaps the most affordable of cycle frames, widely available, and, are great to get you started. Many children’s, leisure and town bike frames, are made from steel. However, some may find these frames can be particularly heavy for those wishing to develop substantially in their riding.


Aluminium Alloy Frames

These frames are lightweight, much more so than steel frames. Aluminium alloys are great for those progressing into a more speedy, responsive side of riding. These frames are a little more expensive than steel ones, but worth investing in to begin to specialise into cycling.

Aluminium alloys are not as stiff as steel so to compensate aluminium frames often has more noticeable larger, thicker tubing. This aluminium frame is also a less dense metal than steel, and therefore it’s not as strong as steel. So, rarely the heavy stress and strain the bike undergoes whilst riding can cause the frame to crack, and if left unguarded, then the frame will eventually snap.

So it’s important to find a manufacturer that has a good reputation for the consistency of their aluminium alloy (because even a cheaply made alloy frame can be heavier than a more expensive steel one) look out for their mechanical design, and especially find a manufacturer that is known for good construction practices in their design that ensures a good life to the aluminium alloy frame.


Steel and Titanium Alloy

A good contrast material for a frame rather than the aluminium is to look for a steel and titanium alloy.

Lighter than if the frame is made from steel alone, this alloy frame doesn’t have the ‘fatigue’ problem that aluminium alloys do, and would be much more efficient for a more aggressive style of riding as they can withstand the strain more efficiently.

Titanium and Carbon-Fibre

There are also other types of frame too. Titanium and carbon-fibre are high specification frames for the more advanced, demanding cyclist. Both titanium and carbon-fibre are expensive, but these frames hold true to all the characteristics expected in an excellent performance bike.