Bike Frames
All bike frames have the same basic elements that allow the bicycle to function to the best ability possible. Most frames will have an upright seating post which allows riders to be seated comfortably and safely upon the frame. Additionally all frames are styled in a diamond, or triangular, form which is the most effective style for any type of bike. These style of frames are comprised of two basic triangular shapes; one in the front and one in the rear. The front triangle forms the basic structure for the front of the bicycle. It holds much of the wiring for the gears and breaks of the bicycle. Additionally the front triangle collects the handles to the front wheel allowing riders to effectively steer. The rear triangle holds most of the bicycle chain that is connected to the front and back wheels, allowing them to function correctly. Connected to the rear triangle is the seat tube, which protrudes upwards from the triangle allowing the seat to be upright and towards the rear of the bicycle.
While that is the basic structure for all types of bike frames there are slight differences in the construction of the frame depending on the purpose of the bike. The most common difference that is displayed in the frames is the difference between the frames of men and women’s bikes. Many transportation bikes for men are styled exactly as described above with a strait bar connecting the front and real triangles, making them equivalent in size. However, a traditional transportation bikes for women have a bar that is connected at an angle so that the front triangle is larger than the rear triangle. This change between the two does not hinder the overall functioning of the bike, it is done for a practical reason not simply style. More often than not women are shorter than men, meaning they have shorter legs. The angled bar shortens the stand over height for the bike, making it easier for women to straddle their bikes while they are stopped. Often times frames with the angled upper bar are referred to as step-through frames.
Another popular style of bike frames are the recumbent style frames. These frames are designed to be more aerodynamic then more upright versions and with a recumbent frame riders are usually more comfortable. They still contain the traditional triangular frame however instead of connecting together through an upper bar, they share sides so that one side of each triangle is also a side in the other. This is done to compact the two triangles, leaving more room for the seat of the bike. The seat of a recumbent bike is the largest difference in the bike, not the frame.