Bike Frame Parts Explained

This here is the top tube the down tube the se.

Bike frame parts explained.

Let s start with the parts of the frame. Bike frames are commonly measured in centimetres representing the length of the seat tube. The term is variously construed and can refer to the base section always including the bottom bracket or to base frame fork and suspension components such as a shock absorber. Composed of a top tube head tube down tube bottom bracket shell seat tube seat stays and chain stays see image.

Often referred to as the heart of a bike a frame can be made from either carbon fiber aluminum titanium steel or a combination of these materials. Each bicycle frame material offers a list of differing characteristics that will affect the cost comfort weight stiffness strength and durability. A frame and fork sold as a combination are referred to as a frameset. Usually consists of a head tube top tube down tube seat tube seat stay and chain stay connected together into a frame.

A description of the frame size based on this measurement is then allocated for example a manufacturer may measure the seat tube length of a bike as 51cm and then describe it is a small frame. The main element of a bicycle that provides points of attachment for the various components that make up the machine.