Frames and Forks
The frame and fork, or frame set, is primarily responsible for the way a bike handles and responds when it is being ridden and controls and manages the flow of energies traveling through the bike. Bikes that feel fast and light are generally this way because they are more energy efficient. The quality of a frame is dependant on the materials used, the manufacturing techniques employed and the experience and knowledge that went into its design.
Frames are generally made up of the following parts; the head tube, top tube, seat tube, down tube, bottom bracket, seat stays, chain stays, rear dropouts and derailleur hanger. Frames used in dual suspension bikes, adult trikes, recumbents and other specialty bikes may have additional parts.
If you are looking for a substantial performance upgrade, buying a new frame set can be one of the best value for money options available to you. If you have good quality components in good working order it may be worth considering the idea of investing your money into a frame instead of buying a whole bike, a new groupset or a new set of wheels.
In quality bikes, up to 80% of the ride quality comes from the frame and forks, 15% comes from the wheels and 5% from the groupset and other components. This fact often surprises people because generally when you are buying a new bike you tend to hear more about the components, groupsets, wheels and tyres than you do the frame and forks.
So it makes sense, if you are considering buying yourself a good quality bike, to take the time to find out a bit about the types of frames that are available and which ones will be best suited to your riding needs.
