A beginners guide to choosing mountain bikes frames

Mountain biking must be one of the greatest pastimes around.

Not only are you enjoying fresh air and sunshine, but you get a great workout too.

The frame of a mountain bike is the most important element. You might be able to skimp on a few of the other accessories, but if you buy a cheap frame you can be sure your bike will be neither comfortable nor safe.

This article will explore a few of the things you need to look for before choosing frames for mountain bikes. Frames are the single most important part of your bike and well worth taking time selecting.

Finding your perfect frame:

1) The cost: Depending on how serious your level of commitment to mountain biking, you might want to consider opting for a cheaper frame rather than spending a fortune on top of the range makes and models.

2) The material: Mountain bikes frames are generally made of steel, carbon fiber, titanium or aluminum.

There are mountain bike frames that combine these materials and give you the benefits of each. Steel and titanium are fantastic choices, but can be costly.

3) The weight: If you are looking for a mountain bike frame, you undoubtedly want a high performance bike. A lightweight mountain bike is worth its weight in gold. The trick is finding a mountain bike that is both lightweight and sturdy enough to handle your weight!

4) The design: Look for functional designs that promise high performance, as well as the correct size. The design has a lot to do with how well the bike handles, so it's worth investigating different shapes.

There are many brand name frames for mountain bikes. Frames don't need to cost a fortune, but it might take some careful shopping around before you find your perfect frame.