Cycle framesets are a popular choice for beginners and experienced riders alike. However, if you are looking for a new road bike, why not build your own from individually selected components?
A road bike is a simple design and if you are even remotely handy in the garage, then building a bike is a fun and rewarding process.
Of course, you can always order the best cycle frameset and components and have them built up for you by a specialist.
What is a cycle frameset?
The frame is the beating heart of any road bike. Other vital components include the forks, and saddle/stem combination. Although every component is necessary, a frameset gives your road bike its character.
A frameset is your frame and forks, and often the saddle and stem if you are buying an aero or time trial bike. Because aero/tt is very specialised, this article will look at the best frame fork combinations for general road riding.
There are scores of cycle framesets on the market. With modern production values and decades of development, most are of a very high standard.
As a result, it is difficult, if not impossible to find a bad frameset. So what sets one apart from another?
Well, the characteristics of a frame are dictated by the material from which it is built. Think about Carbon V Aluminium as an example. Not only are the two materials entirely different on the road, but the budget is different too.
Finally, there is the matter of looks. Like it or not, most of us roadies are very image-conscious. Who couldn’t resist the delicious combination of Italian design and classic feel graphics of the De Rosa 838?
It is perfectly acceptable to buy framesets that appeal to our taste in graphics and design, so long as the frame delivers the type of cycling we want to take part in.
Furthermore, the flexibility of a frameset allows you the choice of groupset, wheels, brakes and accessories. So let’s get stuck in and look at the Cyclxr choice for the best cycle framesets.
Best Aluminium road bike cycle framesets
Aluminium is a great material for year-round riding. Impervious to road salt and grime, many road riders choose aluminium for their winter bike.
Unfortunately, an Aluminium cycle frameset can be a little “buzzy” at the cheaper end. By that, we mean road vibration can make its way back to the handlebars. Although this is a minor irritation on short rides, it can become a significant problem on rides over fifty miles, causing numb hands.
Columbus aircraft aluminium is considered among the best for road bikes, so let’s start with our personal favourite in this category.
Cinelli is synonymous with performance and style. The Zydeco is officially a “gravel” bike; however, its road bike DNA makes for a capable machine. Columbus alloy is the most comfortable out there, in our opinion. When coupled with a carbon fork, you have the perfect foundation to build a stunning all-rounder.
What we like about the Zydeco Frameset:
- Rackmount points for light touring
- Increased ground clearance over standard road geometry for rougher terrains
- Internal cable routing
- Tyre clearance up to 40mm
Planet X builds affordable off the shelf and build-your-own bikes. At under £400, this frameset offers you the chance to assemble a sub £1k bike with year-round performance. Unlike the Cinelli, the 6061-T6 aluminium is not aircraft-grade, but you would not expect that at this price point. So if you want to build your bike on a budget, this is a great place to start. Available in stealth black or zesty lime.
What we like about the Planet-X frameset:
- Rack + mudguard mount points for light touring
- Increased ground clearance over standard road geometry for rougher terrains
- Under £400 for a frameset
Best Steel road bike framesets
Steel is enjoying a bit of a comeback of late. Perhaps it is the retro feel of the designs? It is more likely because riders realise steel is one of the most comfortable materials to ride. Steel frames run smoothly as oil on any road surface. Yes, steel frames come with a bit of a weight penalty, but does that matter to you?
We believe any committed road cyclist should have a steel frame in their stable of bikes. If you haven’t ridden a steel frame, get out and demo one and see for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Here are our choice of steel frames:
Join any cycling club ride out, and you will see Ribble frames. Why? Because they offer outstanding value for money with sharp design thrown in. The Ribble 725 is based on the legendary Reynolds 725 steel tubing and matched to a modern carbon fork.
While the look is definitely a nod to the retro, although geometry and design are very modern, the 725 endurance will be comfortable for 100+ mile rides and even take light luggage. Available in White, Black and our favourite British Racing Green.
There is even a version for those who want a more gravel focused ride.
What we like about the Ribble 725 frameset:
- Legendary 725 tubing from Reynolds
- Modern lugless frame with a classic livery
- Super smooth steel frame ride
Madison Genesis was the most recent team to use steel frame bikes in the gruelling Tour De France. Although they switched over to carbon in 2014, the Volare retains the race focus of the original team bikes.
Reynolds 853 is the top of the range steel tubing, and the ride is simply superb. A Volare frameset with Ultegra or Athena groupsets is a true rider's bike. We know from personal experience that the Reynolds framed genesis can munch the miles with ease. One of our staff writers covered one thousand miles on a 2015 model in ten days. The bike is still in regular commuting use today.
What we like about the Volare 853 frameset:
- Superior 853 tubing from Reynolds
- Race-proven geometry
- Super smooth steel frame ride
- Long-distance comfort
Best Carbon framesets
Carbon has been the frame material of choice for some time now. Riders of all skill levels are locked into the never-ending quest for lighter frames and components. There is no doubt carbon is the best when it comes to lightweight and innovative designs. But, if you are racing on the road, it is unlikely you would go for anything else.
Remember that you get what you pay for. Carbon has different grades, too, and you need to ensure that the carbon you are buying is of a high standard. We have chosen our favourite carbon racing frames.
Here are our choices for the best Carbon framesets:
The Ribble Endurance Carbon frameset comes complete with a carbon seat post and T1000 advance spec carbon for stiffness and strength. SLR framesets are the perfect budget for entry-level racing, weekend club riders or the more affluent commuter. £1500 for a carbon frame of this quality is not excessive.
What we like about the Ribble SLR:
- Super Lightweight
- Advanced formula carbon construction
- Available in black or custom colours
You may be surprised that our second choice is the Giant TCR. Of course, the Specialized S-works is the big favourite for many. At over £4k for a frame, we feel the Specialized is almost in a league of its own. Giant’s Racing frame is designed for electronic shifters only.
Giant has been making incredible bikes for decades, with the TCR first appearing in the 90s. The old TCR is fast becoming a classic. Heirloom designs have seen the TCR get better and better.
For our money, the TCR carbon frameset is worth every penny it costs and more. At the time of writing, stock levels are low, but the TCR is our choice, so grab one of you can...
What we like about the Giant TCR:
- Super Lightweight
- Advanced formula carbon construction
- Improved rigidity and performance
- Heirloom design
- Bespoke all in one Seatpost
Best Titanium road bike framesets
Titanium frames are fast becoming a popular choice for road bike frames. With all the strength and comfort of steel, but 45% lighter, it is not hard to see why. Titanium looks super cool, too, with many manufacturers opting for unpainted, minimalist looks.
We have staff writers who swear by titanium with thousands of miles under their belt. One of the chief reasons for choosing titanium over carbon is longevity. A titanium bike is a bike for life. (As is a steel frame if you maintain it properly). Carbon is susceptible to impacts and can be written off all too easily.
Our favourite titanium framesets are:
Staff writer Sean has thrown everything at his Enigma Etape. A trip to the Alps and back, six months in the Mediterranean heat and dust, and numerous UK sportives. The frame is incredibly comfortable, and performance is nimble.
What we like about the Enigma Etape:
- Proven performance
- Extremely comfortable on 100+ mile rides
- Lightweight and tough multi-season design
- Stunning build quality
If you want something a little more gravel focused, this beast is a real contender.
Combining a classic butless titanium design with advanced geometry, the Ti is a real head-turner. The Ribble Ti is a bike to ride long distances in all weathers. Kit the Ti out with your choice of groupsets and wheels, and this frame will serve you for decades to come.
What we like about the Endurance Ti from Ribble:
- Innovative design for longer distances
- Classic feel to the riding position
- Di2 compatible for long upgrade paths
Whatever frameset you choose, you will have the joy of assembling a personalised road bike that will serve you well for years to come.
Enjoy the ride!
Team Cyclxr
