Frames

How to choose the ideal frame for your bicycle?

The bicycle frame is the fundamental part of the bike and is chosen mainly according to the material, intended use, geometry and size you need. You could say that the frame is the skeleton of the bicycle. All the components that make up the bicycle are mounted onto it. And us too, of course. At Santafixie we have frames from Csepel, WG, Brother Cycles and from our own brand, in different materials, colours, geometries and sizes. Depending on the type of bike, there are fixie frames, urban bicycle frames and track bicycle frames. There are also frames for other uses, such as road, gravel or cyclocross.

Materials

When choosing the material of the bicycle frame, you need to consider different factors such as intended use, weight, usage time, budget, etc. A frame can be made of steel, aluminium or carbon, and in this category you will find steel and aluminium.

Steel and Aluminium

For urban use, steel and aluminium are materials that you can find in this category. The choice between the two will depend on the characteristics of the frame and how you intend to use it.

Geometry

In terms of geometry, some encourage a more aggressive riding position, with the upper body very horizontal, normally for competing on the track or simply to get the most out of the bike. There are also frames designed for a more recreational purpose, for leisurely rides, to keep your back in an almost upright position. Commuter-style bicycles also use a type of frame designed for an upright position, perfect for riding around the city because having a higher position gives us a wider field of vision, thereby improving our ability to react to possible unexpected situations.

Other components

When choosing the frame for your future bicycle, as well as considering how you are going to use it, you should also consider which components and accessories you will or will not need. Whether you will need a bottle cage, panniers, whether the brakes will be disc, rim or without brakes, whether you prefer internal or external cable routing, the wheel width you are going to fit, etc. The frame you choose must be prepared to allow you to fit each of these components in the way you want or need.

You can also choose according to use, such as fixie / single speed, cyclocross, urban or velodrome track, and according to the frame size, with measurements such as 49 cm, 52 cm, 54 cm, 56 cm or 58 cm. In some cases, you can also take into account features such as the caliper brake system or the number of gears it offers.

The frame is fitted with its fork, so in forks you will find those that fit each type of headset. And if you already have your frame, discover other components, accessories or equipment you may need.