Whether your looking to buy a bike or just checking them out, the thing you notice first is more then likely the bicycle frame.  The frame is the center of the bicycle as well as its art.  Including what is pretty much a triangular core structure that supports both seat and handlebars and also the extensions that join to the wheels, what color the bicycle is as well as the geometry of it not only effects how good the bike looks, but also its strength and speed.

The enjoyment and feeling of being a winner you get from riding a bicycle will be greatly effected by having the correct frame for your physique and needs. The two most important things of bicycle frames are there configuration and materials.  It makes sense that your bicycle frame will take into important account whether you ride mainly on roads or off-road. The fact is so-called mountain bike frames are made of obviously bigger "tubes", they are made of materials that resist shocks and have stronger weldings.

Road bike frames have a smaller triangular geometry and the thing to keep in mind with there material is there weight.  Everything on a road bike is made to keep the riders resistance to the smallest amount with the idea of keeping fluency and speed, while a mountain bike is made with the main goal of shock absorption and maneuverability in mind as well as speed-influencing factors.  Even with these two main divisions, you will find a lot of differences in bicycle frames.  Road bikes used mainly for touring or recreational riding will have frames with a more easy going geometry and more complete horizontal spread front to back, while racing bikes will tighten that structure for a shorter front to back bike length.

A triangle that is tighter and that has not as much distance between the bicycle frame and the tires has the effect of decreasing the resistance of wind and road for a racer, and it also pushes up the bikes ability to respond to the fast, minute  maneuverings road racing needs. There are quite a few basic things to consider when making the choice of the right bicycle frame for your particular physique and riding needs.  Also, your unique body shape and weight will have an affect on what sort of bicycle frame is most suited for your comfort and success. Standard frame measurements, made along with the seat tube of a frame, take into consideration the length of your legs and this is also of much importance in regard to the comfort you have on the bicycle, and the length of the top tube of the bicycle frame must also be checked out.  Two cyclists with the same height may need totally different bicycle frames. The best idea is to shop at a bicycle store where riders with a lot of information make their living and you will be able to try a bicycle out before you purchase it.