When choosing a bike frame there are some key points you should keep in mind. Firstly, and most importantly, what type of biking will you be doing, as this will determine the type of bike you choose. Then there are things to consider like size, handles, the seat, suspension and the actual material of the frame. Bikes can be an expensive item to buy, especially if you are an avid rider and want a high quality racing machine. Manufacturers will give you a recommendation of the size of bike you should be buying, however personal preference can sometimes be at odds with this, just remember to go for a bike that feels right for you.

To find the approximate size of frame you should be looking for, take the measurement of your inner leg. For a mountain bike you should deduct 12 inches from the length, and for a road bike take off 9 inches. So if you have a leg measurement of 34, you should be looking for a bike frame of 22 inches for a mountain bike and 25 inches for a road bike. When you stand over the bike crossbar or top tube, your feet should sit firmly on the ground and there should be enough top tube clearance so that you are safe during your ride. For a mountain bike, it is advised that you have between 3"-5" of clearance, and 2"-4" for a road bike. If you prefer to be sat in a more upright position when you are riding, you can choose a slightly taller frame so long as you still have enough tube clearance. Mountain bikes need a larger clearance zone because of the rough terrain that they experience.

The handle and seat on a bike can make or break a riding experience when it comes to comfort. On a road bike, most people prefer down turned handles so that they can get low in the saddle and relax the back whilst the seat is positioned quite high. Mountain bikers on the other hand like flat handles which can be easily manoeuvred to tackle the uneven terrain and a comfortable seat which can absorb the heavy impact involved with this type of riding. Look for gel padding, cushioning and shapes designed for comfort and your seat shouldn't give you too much bother.

Hybrid, comfort and mountain bikes feature suspension forks. Suspension forks make riding over rough tracks easier and reduce the impact on your body when you bounce off rocks and trees. Comfort bikes are great for beginners as they offer riders the ability to use them on the road and over uneven surfaces at a more intermediate level than dedicated road or mountain bikes do. Types of suspension change between bikes and manufacturers. Two-wheel suspension is becoming more popular although the majority of bikes feature front suspension only.

What type of biking you do and if you have any special requirements will help you to decide what material your frame should be made out of. One of the hardest and most durable materials that bike frames are made of is Titanium. Professional mountain bikers often use titanium bike frames, sometimes as part of a mix with a more lightweight material such as carbon fibre or aluminium. These two latter materials are extremely lightweight so for hill climbers and mountain bikers who are looking for easy manoeuvrability, these are good materials to pick. Steel is the most commonly used material in bike frames. It is durable and strong so it can be used on road or mountain bikes. Chromium-molybdenum steel is lighter than Carbon steel however both offer the same strength.

These are just some factors to consider when you are choosing which bike to buy. You do not have to stick firmly to them as the most important thing is that you are comfortable with your bike and are able to ride it without feeling unsafe.