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 geometry, head tube angles, tire clearance, and mounts for brakes and drivetrain change.
• Size and geometry: the frame size must fit your height and leg length to ensure an efficient riding position without compromising comfort.
• Budget and material: frame prices vary significantly based on material and manufacturing technology: set a realistic budget and evaluate the best quality-to-price ratio for your usage.

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 install, even starting from scratch with the Custom Bike service.

Frame materials: carbon, aluminum, titanium, and steel

• Carbon: the most used material in high-end road, gravel, and MTB frames. It offers excellent stiffness and efficient power transfer while remaining lightweight, with the ability to modulate comfort based on fiber layup.
• Aluminum: lightweight, stiff, and affordable. It is the standard for entry-level and mid-range road, gravel, and MTB frames, offering an unbeatable value-for-money ratio.
• Titanium: combines lightness, long-term fatigue resistance, and a ride comfort highly appreciated on gravel and touring bikes. It is a durable choice, often selected by those seeking a frame "for life."
• Steel: the most traditional material, prized for superior comfort and excellent vibration absorption. It remains the ideal choice for city, touring, and gravel bikes, as well as for those seeking a smooth ride over long distances.

Road bike frames

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

Gravel and cyclocross frames

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

MTB, All Mountain, Enduro, and DH frames

MTB frames are built to tackle rugged 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 ability, while DH and Freeride frames are designed exclusively for extreme descending, with maximum structural robustness and very open head angles for high-speed stability. 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 promote a low and forward position, and integrated components minimize wind resistance for top performance in time trials and cycling legs of triathlons. Track and fixed-gear frames, on the other hand, are designed for maximum stiffness and reactivity on the 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's included in a frameset

A frame kit (frameset) typically includes the frame, fork, seatpost, and headset, along with standard accessories like fork leg guards: the perfect foundation to build your bike with the components and drivetrain you prefer. A frame only is sold without a fork and other elements included in the kit, making it ideal for those who want to reuse components they already own or seek maximum control over every build choice. If you are unsure what you need, always check the product details 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 advice on size, geometry, and material based on your body type and usage, also via the Custom Bike service.
• Compatibility verified with major drivetrain, brake, and wheel standards before sale.
• Tracked shipping via major couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx, GLS, BRT, Poste Italiane) and 14-day return policy.
• Option to pay in installments with Findomestic.

Frequently asked questions

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

Carbon or aluminum? Carbon offers the best weight/stiffness ratio and allows for finer comfort modulation, making it the preferred choice for high performance. Aluminum is more affordable, very durable, and remains a solid choice for regular riders who do not aim for the absolute top tier.

What does a frame kit include? A frame kit usually includes the frame, fork, seatpost, and headset. A frame only does not include these additional components. Always check the product details for the exact contents of the kit you are considering.

Is the frame compatible with my components and groupset? It depends on standards such as head tube type, bottom bracket spacing, brake type (disc or rim), and cable routing. Technical compatibility specifications are provided in the product details; 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 via Findomestic Banca, subject to approval based on the financial institution's assessment. The option is available directly at checkout for eligible products.

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