Bike Frames

Before purchasing a frame, it helps to have a clear idea of your riding style and what type of bike you are building, whether that is a road, mountain, or hybrid setup. You should also consider your budget for the full build, as the frame is just the starting point and components will add to the overall cost. Having a plan for your build before you browse will help you narrow down the right geometry and construction for your needs.

Common frame materials include aluminium, carbon fibre, steel, and titanium, each offering a different balance of weight, stiffness, durability, and ride feel. Aluminium frames tend to be lightweight and affordable, making them a popular choice for performance builds on a budget, while carbon fibre offers a higher level of stiffness and weight savings suited to more advanced riders. Steel and titanium are valued for their durability and ride compliance, and are often chosen for touring or long-distance builds. Your priorities around weight, comfort, and budget will guide which material suits you best.

Compatibility depends on several factors including the bottom bracket standard, headset size, dropout spacing, and any proprietary standards used by your current components. Before purchasing a replacement frame, it is worth checking these specifications against your existing groupset, wheels, and fork to avoid unexpected additional costs. If you are unsure, bringing your current component list into a 99 Bikes store can help staff confirm compatibility before you commit to a purchase.

Frame geometry refers to the angles and measurements that determine how a bike fits and handles, including the head tube angle, seat tube angle, chainstay length, and stack and reach figures. A more aggressive geometry with a lower front end suits riders looking for speed and responsiveness, while a more relaxed geometry offers greater comfort and stability for endurance or casual riding. Choosing the right geometry for your riding style is just as important as the material or brand, as it directly affects how the bike feels under you.

Purchasing a standalone frame and building a bike from scratch is generally better suited to cyclists who already have some knowledge of components and how they work together. Beginners may find the process overwhelming, as selecting compatible groupsets, wheels, handlebars, seatposts, and other components requires an understanding of standards, sizing, and compatibility that takes time to develop. There is also the practical consideration of cost, as building up a frame individually rarely saves money compared to buying a complete bike at an equivalent level, and professional assembly fees can add further to the total.