Bicycle Frames

Bike Frames for Custom Builds

When building your own bike, the frame is the core that any future upgrades are made around. It's the one thing you really don't want to end up replacing later. Frame geometry affects how the bike handles climbs, descents, and corners. Material choice impacts weight, stiffness, and ride quality.

Buying a bike frame online offers a wider selection, but it requires attention to detail. Know your fit. Use a sizing chart and check geometry numbers. If you're building a bike, it probably isn't your first one so compare new frame sizes to bikes you've ridden in the past. Confirm compatibility with bottom brackets, headsets, and other parts.

Feel free to reach out to us by text, phone, or contact form for advice.

Choosing a MTB Frame

Hardtail vs Full-Suspension Frames

Hardtail MTB frames are generally lighter, simpler, and more affordable. They're a great choice for cross-country trails, smooth terrain, or riders who prefer a direct feel.

Full-suspension frames include a rear shock for better control on rough trails, making them ideal for enduro, trail, or downhill use. The right choice depends on terrain, riding style, and budget.

Mountain Bike Frame Geometry

Key geometry terms include reach, stack, head tube angle, and seat tube angle. Longer reach improves stability, while shorter reach increases maneuverability. A slacker head angle is better for bombing downhill, while a steeper angle is better for climbing. Understanding these numbers helps match the frame to your goals and local trails.

Trail, Enduro, or Downhill Frame?

For most riders, a modern trail frame offers the best all-around ride. Trail frames aim for a middle ground that is efficient on climbs and capable on descents. Enduro frames lean toward aggressive descending with longer travel and slacker geometry, which makes them harder to pedal on flat ground and uphill. Downhill frames are built purely for speed and big drops, and are often too much for everyday use.

Choosing Road and BMX Frames

Road Bike Frame Material

A road bike frame should be light, responsive, and good enough to not hold you back from your goals. Carbon frames are unmatched in stiffness and weight savings, especially for endurance or competitive road cycling, although it's significantly more expensive than aluminum frames.

BMX Frame Material

BMX frames need to withstand repeated impacts, so strength and geometry matter more than weight. Chromoly steel is a common choice for its durability and responsive feel. Look for frames with proven geometry for your riding style, whether that’s park, dirt, or street.

Frame Materials: What Should You Buy?

Carbon Fiber

Carbon frames are Unquestionably the best for performance but they also come with a price tag. They're lightweight and stiff and they absorb trail chatter and gravel vibrations while offering excellent power transfer. That makes them popular for racing and anyone who wants the best.

Carbon has some limitations, like you can't install racks or bottle holders unless there's a pre-existing mount , and the frames also don't tolerate being squeezed by compression mounts for racks and gear. However, high-quality carbon can be very durable when properly maintained and is used in even extreme downhill bikes.

Aluminum

Aluminum frames offer a strong balance of performance and price. They're light enough for serious trail use and durable enough for everyday riding. Weld quality and tubing shape vary by brand, so not all aluminum frames ride the same. Hydroformed aluminum is common in higher end frames and chatter absorption can vary significantly depending on the frame design.

Steel and Titanium

Steel provides a compliant ride and is easy to repair, making it a favorite for lower-budget custom builds and people who want an "unbreakable" bike. Titanium shares those traits, but with lower weight and better corrosion resistance at a higher cost. Both are less common but some people still prefer them!

Sizing and Specs

How to Choose the Right Frame Size for Mountain Biking

Start with a frame size chart, but don’t stop there. Key measurements like reach and stack provide better insight into fit than seat tube length alone. Consider your riding position, flexibility, and intended use when finalizing size.

Matching Components with the Frame

Check component compatibility carefully. Headsets (ZS, IS, etc.), bottom brackets (BSA, PF92, etc.), seatpost diameter, and brake mounts vary by frame. Verify these specs before purchasing parts to avoid expensive mistakes. You can always contact us at the bike shop with any questions and we'll help you figure out what parts are compatible with the frame you're looking at .

Wheel Size and Geometry

Even though bare frames don't come with wheels, they're always designed with a specific wheel size in mind. You also need to consider what tire width you want and make sure the frame is able to handle it.

Ready to Build?

Suspension Setup and Frame Prep Tips

Before assembly, inspect and prep the frame. Install headset cups and bottom brackets correctly. Set sag and air pressure based on rider weight and terrain. Refer to manufacturer instructions for travel limits and shock tune recommendations.

Groupset Choice

Shimano drivetrains offer smooth shifting and broad compatibility. SRAM excels at 1x simplicity and wide-range cassettes, and their top-of-the-line wireless-shifting Eagle groupsets might be on the table if you want the absolute best performance. For road or gravel, Campagnolo and other niche brands may be up your alley but the big brands are a safe choice too.

You can get all the drivetrain parts and other components you need right on our website

Frame Protection, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Use frame protection film or guards on areas prone to rock strikes and cable rub. Clean gently with bike-specific soap. For carbon frames, avoid abrasive brushes or degreasers. Regularly check for cracks, especially after a crash.

Warranties, Damage Checks, and Crash Replacement Policies

Keep your purchase proof and register your frame with the brand, if applicable. Understand what your warranty covers and check if the brand offers discounted crash replacement. Check our warranty guides here or ask our bike shop for more info before you buy!

Brand Spotlights

Yeti Cycles

The Yeti SB140 frame is built around Switch Infinity suspension and aggressive trail geometry. It's designed for riders who want a bike that climbs well but thrives on steep, technical descents. Yeti frames are known for their engineering and race-proven pedigree.

Salsa Cycles

Salsa frames are geared toward adventure. Their frames are relatively affordable, and plenty good enough for many riders who don't want absolute lightest carbon options. The Timberjack is a versatile hardtail frame made for trail riding and bikepacking, with generous tire clearance and multiple mounting options..

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain’s Instinct frames features Ride-9 geometry adjustment and balanced suspension kinematics. It suits trail riders who want a capable all-around frame that can be fine-tuned for different terrain.

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