GUIDE TO FOSSA FRAMES
All Fossa frames and forks are full carbon, produced using Toray fibres. Carbon has a very high strength to weight ratio, and can be moulded in to shape to give strength where it is needed, while avoiding excess weight where it isn't. This makes Fossa frames strong and stiff yet light and compliant, giving a responsive ride with no loss of comfort.
SIZING
Sizing a bike frame is a very individual matter, and for optimum comfort and performance we recommend a professional bike fit. However, as a starting point, consider the following. Position on the bike depends primarily on two factors: leg length and upper body reach, and the relationship between the two varies from person to person. For example, men tend to have a longer reach and shorter legs compared to women, who typically have a relatively short reach but longer legs. A well-fitting bike needs to be the correct height and length.
When making your choice, consider the frame geometry charts (available on each product page). Bear in mind that the final height and reach can be modified by choice of seatpost/saddle and stem/bar combinations - height being more easily adjusted than reach. We agree with Greg LeMond that an effective method of estimating your ideal saddle height (measured from crank centre to top of saddle) is to measure your inside leg (to the floor, with shoes removed) and multiply by a factor of 0.833. This measurement provides a guide to seat tube length for road and cyclocross frames. For a mountain bike frame, we recommend focussing more on top tube length due to the sloping frame design. Remember that the measurements on the geometry charts are for the frame only - the final height and reach will be longer once the saddle and bars have been fitted.
What type of frame is right for me?
I want…
A bike with flat handlebars
Flat handlebars are typically found on mountain bikes. Check out our XC:29.
Maximum braking power
Disc brakes offer the best braking. We have several disc-braked options - it just depends where you plan to ride.For road, see the pace:cd SL; cyclocross try the cyclo-x:cd; or for a full off-road experience go for the XC:29.
The lightest possible bike
Disc brake compatibility adds weight to a frame. If you want the very lightest cyclocross frame go for the cantilever-braked cyclo-x:c, or on the road choose a calliper-braked frame such as the super-light pace:c SL.
If weight really matters to you, you'll want carbon wheels too.
To ride on road & trails
If you're looking for versatility, choose one of our cyclcross frames: either the cyclo-x:c or the disc-braked cyclo-x:cd. Cyclocross bikes are similar to road bikes but are also suitable for moderate off-road terrain.
To ride off road
If you'll only be covering moderate terrain, a cyclocross frame will be lightest and fastest: consider either the cyclo-x:c or the disc-braked cyclo-x:cd. However, if you plan to tackle any more challenging terrain, you'll need a MTB with front suspension, such as the XC:29.
To be as fast as possible
If you want to clock up your maximum speed, you need to be riding on the road. Take a look at the pace:c, or even the super-light pace:c SL or
pace:cd SL. The lighter your road bike, the better!
A bike with suspension
You need a mountain bike frame. Check out our XC:29.
To give cyclocross a try
You can enter local cyclocross races on a MTB frame such as the XC:29; however, you'll do better on a true cyclocross frame like the cyclco-x:c. Beginners may appreciate the added reassurance of disc brakes, as offered by the cyclo-x:cd.
To race
All of our frames are suitable for racing at the highest level - they are tested in competition by our team riders. Just pick from road, cyclocross or MTB and you're off!
Still not sure what you need? Give us a call and we'll do our best to advise you.