{"id":160955,"date":"2017-08-29T12:35:32","date_gmt":"2017-08-29T12:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=160955"},"modified":"2017-08-30T09:08:18","modified_gmt":"2017-08-30T09:08:18","slug":"whats-best-bike-frame-ultra-distance-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2017\/08\/29\/whats-best-bike-frame-ultra-distance-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Best Bike Frame for Ultra-Distance Cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you getting into ultra-distance cycling, long bike adventures, or bikepacking? If yes and you\u2019re looking for the reason to buy a new bike, then having the right bike frame is a good one. You should consider the material, geometry, size, and fit if you are to select a frame that will stand up to the challenges of ultra-endurance riding style the best.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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BLOG: A Year of Globetrotting – Hera van Willick Talks Budget, Planning, and Risks<\/span><\/h3>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n<\/div>\n

Material \u2013 carbon may not be the best<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Looking at participants of ultra-distance races like the Transcontinental Race or the Trans Am Bike Race, all popular bike frame materials are amongst the common choices. Steel is the heaviest but usually less stiff and thus more comfortable than the others. Aluminium is a lot lighter than steel, but typically stiffer and not as comfortable, although the difference is not that substantial with newer models. Titanium has a similar weight to aluminium but is just as comfortable as steel. Carbon is the lightest of all and can be made stiff in areas where it needs to be and flexible in others. So, the choice depends on your budget and preferences for comfort vs weight.<\/p>\n

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Geometry \u2013 go for comfort<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you want a comfortable frame, then geometry will be a big factor to consider. There are two types that affect how the bike handles. There are the aggressive race models that have a shorter wheelbase and a lower and longer handlebar position. And then the more comfortable endurance models with a longer wheelbase and a higher head tube.<\/p>\n

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5 Tips for Taking Your Bike on a Plane<\/span><\/h3>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n<\/div>\n

You can also distinguish between a compact and a traditional geometry where the top tube either slopes down or is horizontal. This is more of an aesthetic choice and an issue of practicality based on your height. The endurance models allow for a more comfort-oriented riding position so that\u2019s what you should look for.<\/p>\n

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Size and fit<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Size is of course a very individual issue, but it\u2019s good to understand the basic measurements to know what to look for. The most important things when considering a bike fit are stack and reach. Check out the video below to understand how to measure those. And when considering various models, don\u2019t forget to think about which bags you want to fit on the frame.<\/p>\n

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