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Frames

Building your own setup and wondering how to choose a bike frame that supports you on trails and the road? The bike frame is the core foundation that determines geometry, stiffness, and the limits of your machine, whether you're going for a tough dirt frame or a light carbon specialist.

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Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Bike Frame and Accessories

Selecting a standalone bike frame gives you the freedom to build a bike tailored to your riding style. The frame dictates power transfer efficiency and stability in technical sections. At Katmar.cz, we offer proven aluminum and steel constructions from Dartmoor, NS Bikes, and Accent, covering everything from bikepacking to heavy-duty street and park riding.

The Difference Between Road and Gravel Frames

A common question is the difference between road and gravel frames. While road frames are built for aerodynamics and stiffness on smooth tarmac, gravel frames provide significantly wider tire clearance and geometry suited for unpaved paths. For mountain bikes, choose MTB hardtail frames for pedaling efficiency or suspension frames for technical trails and freestyle.

Key Specs for 29" and 26" Bike Frames

  • Wheel Size: For speed and momentum, go for 29 inch bike frames. If you're building a dirt jumper or park bike, 26 inch frames remain unmatched for maneuverability.
  • Material: Aluminum and carbon lead the XC segment. For Dirt and Street, 4130 CrMo steel (DMR, Identiti) is the favorite for its vibration damping and high fatigue strength.
  • Axle Standards: For new builds, we recommend the Boost 148x12mm standard, which increases rear wheel stiffness.
  • Hanger Compatibility: Especially with popular Dartmoor frames, check the specific hanger type—these are model-specific and not interchangeable.

Expert Insight: The most critical dimension for how a frame "fits" is the Reach. It determines the real space you have to shift your body weight while standing on the pedals. Reach is the key factor deciding between agility and stability.