What to Look for in the Material of a Road Bike Frame
One of the most important criteria when buying a road bike frame is the choice of frame material. A road bike carbon frame differs significantly from a road bike frame made of aluminium, steel or titanium in terms of its appearance, composition and riding characteristics. Each material has certain advantages - and disadvantages. That's why it's ultimately decisive which characteristics you place particular value on. Here you can find an overview of what distinguishes the various materials:
Road Bike Frames Made of Carbon
- the material par excellence: extremely light, stiff and comfortable where necessary
- enables creative designs and flowing, aerodynamic shapes without compromising on weight and stability
- high acquisition costs and less robust than metals
Road Bike Frames Made of Steel
- extremely durable, robust when cared for properly
- sleek aesthetics
- comfortable and 'lively' driving experience
- relatively high weight
Road Bike Frames Made of Aluminium
- very light, stiff and reactive
- less durable than steel and titanium, but more resistant than carbon
- very good price-performance ratio
Road Bike Frames Made of Titanium
- slim aesthetics, noble finish
- extremely durable, resistant and corrosion resistant
- unique driving comfort and 'lively' handling
- lighter than steel, but also more expensive
Standards / Mounting Dimensions on Road Bike Frame
When choosing your road bike frame you should be aware that frames have different standards and mounting dimensions. For example, a frame set for rim brakes cannot be converted to disc brakes. In the same way, the choice of gear group set and tire width affects the specifications of the frame. Therefore, before buying a road bike frame, you should pay attention to the following things.
Axle Standard and the Mounting Width
Until recently all road bikes had open dropouts for quick release axles. With the introduction of disc brakes, closed dropouts and 12mm or, more rarely, 15mm thru axles were introduced - standard installation widths: 100mm front and 135 or 142mm rear.
Inner Bearings / Bottom Bracket Mount
BSA, ITA, T47 (screwed), pressfit or something completely different? The installation dimension should also be observed here. In addition, the choice of the inner bearing goes hand in hand with the choice of the crank: Because the inner diameter of the bearings must match the diameter of the crankshaft.
Road Bike Headset
With the classic thread head sets, a distinction is made between the three sizes 1" shank, 1" 1/8 shank and 1" 1/4 shank.
In the case of the threadless headsets, a basic distinction is made between these different types:
- External Cup (EC) - external bearings and bearing shells
- Zero Stack (ZS) - semi-integrated bearings and bearing shells
- Integrated (IS) - fully integrated drop-in bearings (without shells)
The S.H.I.S. (Standardized Headset Identification System) helps you to find the right type of headset for you.
Seat Tube Diameter / the Right Seat Post and Seat Clamp
A seat clamp is often already included in the scope of delivery of the frame. Some manufacturers use their own (not round) seat post design. In this case the choice of seat post is limited to the frame manufacturer.
Compatibility of Other Add-On Parts
Should your new road bike frame be suitable for front derailleurs with braze-on or clamp mounting?
How many options for mounting a bottle cage do you need?
Do you prefer an internal cable guide for a clean look or classic, easier to maintain external cables?
Would you like to take your road bike on multi-day tours with an overnight stay? Then you should make sure that there are eyes for luggage racks and mudguards.
What Distinguishes a Road Bike Frame from a Gravel & Cyclocross Frame?
While classic road bikes are designed for maximum performance on the road, cyclocross and gravel bikes are designed for off-road use. This has an impact on the geometry and equipment of a Gravel or Cyclocross frame:
- Tire widths of around 40mm are common for gravel bikes and between 32 and 35mm for cyclocrossers.
- The frame should allow for a corresponding amount of tire freedom.
- To achieve more ground clearance, Gravel and Cyclocross frames have a raised bottom bracket.
- The wheelbase of a Gravelbike is rather long, the Cyclocross frame has the shortest wheelbase compared to other bikes with road bike handlebars
- Road bike and cyclocross frames are mainly light and have a very sporty frame geometry, Gravel frames are generally designed to be more robust and comfortable (longer head tube and less saddle camber)
- Gravel frames have - in addition to fender mountings - especially many eyelets for luggage racks and bottle holders.
Buy Your New Road Bike Frame Now at BIKE24!
If you want to fulfill your dream of a road bike frame made of super light carbon, chic steel or inexpensive aluminum, BIKE24 is the right place for you! Here you can not only buy unique road bike frame kits for road, track, cyclocross or gravel use, but you also get first-class customer service. Before you buy, we are happy to advise you on questions about models, compatibility and the right bike frame size.
If you don't want to assemble your bike yourself, it is also possible to have it assembled by professionals in the BIKE24 workshop.