Bicycle frames

How to choose the right frame

Before choosing a frame, define three elements:

• Intended discipline: A road frame is not interchangeable with a gravel or MTB frame, as they differ in geometry, head tube angles, tire clearance, and mounting points for brakes and drivetrain.
• Size and geometry: The frame size must match your height and leg length to ensure an efficient riding position without compromising comfort.
• Budget and material: Frame prices vary significantly depending on the material and construction technology: establish a realistic budget and evaluate the best price-to-performance ratio for your needs.

If you are unsure which frame to choose, our team can advise you based on your skill level, your goal (performance, comfort, or versatility), and the components you wish to mount, even starting from scratch with our Custom Bike service.

Frame materials: carbon, aluminum, titanium, and steel

• Carbon: The most common material in high-end road, gravel, and MTB frames. It offers excellent stiffness and efficient power transfer while remaining lightweight, with the ability to tune comfort through different fiber layups.
• Aluminum: Lightweight, stiff, and affordable. It is the standard for entry-level and mid-range road, gravel, and MTB bikes, offering a price-to-performance ratio that is hard to beat.
• Titanium: Combines lightness, long-term fatigue resistance, and a ride quality highly valued for gravel and touring. It is a durable choice, often selected by those seeking a "forever" frame.
• Steel: The most traditional material, appreciated for its superior comfort and excellent vibration damping. It remains the ideal choice for city, trekking, and touring frames, as well as for those seeking a smooth ride over long distances.

Road bike frames

Road frames are designed to deliver maximum performance on asphalt: aerodynamic geometries, responsive head angles, and lightweight materials like carbon and aluminum allow for efficient pedaling and reduced wind resistance. They are the ideal base for both race riders and those seeking maximum speed during training. Discover the full range in the Road Frames section.

Gravel and cyclocross frames

Gravel and cyclocross share a "do-it-all" spirit but have distinct characteristics. Gravel frames are designed for long and varied routes, offering space for wider tires and mounts for bikepacking bags, water bottles, and travel accessories. Cyclocross frames, on the other hand, are lighter, with a straight top tube and an open triangle to facilitate shoulder carrying during races, and a geometry optimized for tires up to 33c. Both are available in carbon, aluminum, steel, and titanium. See the entire selection in Gravel and Cyclocross Frames.

MTB, All Mountain, Enduro, and DH frames

MTB frames are built to tackle rough terrain, with geometries that favor maneuverability and stability on off-road paths, and reinforced materials to withstand impacts and stress. As the aggressiveness of the terrain increases, All Mountain and Enduro frames offer greater suspension travel and more relaxed geometries to handle technical descents while maintaining good climbing capability, while DH and Freeride frames are designed exclusively for extreme downhill, with maximum structural robustness and very open head angles for stability at high speeds. Explore MTB Frames, All Mountain/Enduro Frames, and DH/Freeride Frames.

Time trial, triathlon, and track frames

Time trial and triathlon frames are designed for maximum aerodynamics: profiled tubes, geometries that favor a low and forward position, and integrated components minimize air resistance for top performance in time trials and cycling segments of triathlons. Track and fixed gear frames, on the other hand, are built for maximum stiffness and responsiveness on a velodrome, without derailleurs or brakes, with geometries dedicated to pure speed and acceleration. Discover Time Trial and Triathlon Frames and Track and Fixed Frames.

Frame kit or frame only: what does a frameset include

A frame kit (frameset) typically includes the frame, fork, seat post, and headset, along with stock components like fork eyelets: the perfect base for building your bike with the drivetrain and components of your choice. A frame only is sold without a fork or the other components included in the kit, making it ideal for those who want to reuse components they already own or seek maximum control over every aspect of the build. If you are unsure what you need, always check the product page or contact us: we will specify exactly what is included in each frame kit.

Why buy frames from Cicli Mattio

• Bicycle specialists since 1996, with direct experience in building custom bikes for every discipline.
• Dedicated consultation on size, geometry, and material based on your body type and intended use, also through our Custom Bike service.
• Compatibility verified with major drivetrain, brake, and wheel standards before sale.
• Tracked shipping via major carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx, GLS, BRT, Poste Italiane) and returns accepted within 14 working days.
• Option to pay in installments via Findomestic.

Frequently asked questions

How to choose the frame size? The size depends on your height, your inseam length, and the specific geometry of the model: each discipline (road, gravel, MTB) has different proportions even within the same stated size. Consult the size chart for the chosen frame or contact us for a detailed comparison before purchasing.

Carbon or aluminum, which is better? Carbon offers the best weight-to-stiffness ratio and allows for finer tuning of comfort, making it the preferred choice for high performance. Aluminum is more affordable, very durable, and remains a solid choice for regular riders who don't need top-of-the-line gear.

What does a frame kit include? A frame kit typically includes the frame, fork, seat post, and headset. A frame-only option does not include these additional components. Always check the product page for exact kit details.

Is the frame compatible with my components and groupset? It depends on standards such as the type of headset, bottom bracket spindle length, brake type (disc or rim), and cable routing. Technical compatibility specifications are available in the product page; if you have doubts about your current groupset, contact us for verification before purchasing.

Can I pay in installments? Yes, you can purchase the frame in installments through Findomestic Banca, subject to approval based on the financial institution's assessment. The option is available directly at checkout on eligible products.

Do you assemble the bike on the frame? Yes, we offer a full assembly and build service starting from the frame, with the option to choose components and drivetrain through our Custom Bike service. Contact us for dedicated consultation on your project.