Frames and forks

Most frames built today are constructed from aluminium or carbon fibre. As a general rule aluminium frames are less expensive, however a good quality/grade of aluminium will be better than a poor quality/grade of carbon fibre.

Aluminium

• Found on road, hybrid and MTB bikes.
• Life expectancy is 5yrs.
• Very stiff (can be uncomfortable because of this but great because power is transferred directly to the pedal stroke).
• Relatively inexpensive.
• Generally heavier.

Carbon fibre

• Found on mid to high end road bikes and top of the range MTB.
• Life expectancy is up to 10 years.
• Very stiff, but carbon can be layered in such a way that it will also be very comfortable without losing performance.
• Expensive.
• Generally lighter.

Forks

Can be aluminium, carbon or suspension.

Aluminium – found on relatively inexpensive road and hybrid bikes.

Carbon fibre – as you progress into better road bikes the forks will upgrade from aluminium to carbon fibre. They are lighter and provide dampening from road vibrations for the hands. Most of our road bikes have carbon fibre forks.

Suspension – these are found on MTB and some hybrid bikes. They allow shock absorption on the hands, plus increased grip by keeping the front wheel in contact with the ground over rough terrain. Some hybrid, even top of the range ones, will not have suspension. This is due to the added weight and it is not always necessary if the bike is only used on the road. In fact some front suspensions can be quickly locked, as it absorbes energy unnecessarily on the road.