Carbon Conundrum ??

[Hacienda71]

I have a lower end carbon bike, a 7005 Racing Ribble and a steel Raleigh from the nineties. The carbon bike handles better, but that is down to the tapered steerer and frame geometry in my opinion, not the frame material. I do think the carbon bike absorbs road buzz better. The Ribble has carbon forks and seatpost but is a bit harsher, doesnt stop you munching miles on it. The carbon bike weighs less and therefore goes up hill slightly quicker, but I would say no more than a couple of seconds or so over half a mile hill. If the alu bike weighed the same and you can buy ones that do, there would be no difference. On the flat you would be hard pressed to see any difference in speed. The wheels and your aero position are far more important there. My next purchase will hopefully be a Ti frame if I can afford it, then I will have had the set if you don't include bamboo.

 

[fossyant]

Steel is a great strong and dependable product.. commonly the term 'steel is real' is used, imho its not real, your not getting anything special, no matter who the builder is the tubes are purchased from the same people everyone else in the industry purchase their tubes from. How much room does that leave the bike builder to affect the performance of the material? - Very little which is why most Steel frames have similar characteristics imho.

What ever plastic boy

Having ridden 531c, 653 and custom built Columbus SLX, they ride differently !

I agree on your other comments though !

 

[fossyant]

Off Topic slightly, but to do with your long post on this subject. Is your Roubaix an S-Works (not sure it needed asking!) and what would the difference be between a Comp and the S-Works?

Carbon used is higher grade on the S-Works, therefore stiffer/lighter/costly. A simple way is to look at the range of Spesh shoes - lower end Carbon ones flex more than the higher end shoes - effectively the same shoe, but better quality carbon is used.

 

[fossyant]

Hacienda71 hit the nail with regards to handling and frame geometry. This makes a big difference !

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

What ever plastic boy

you made my signature.. Im having that... classic

 

[fossyant]

you made my signature.. Im having that... classic

Glad to be of service !

I likes me steel. That said I'd probably buy a S Works Tarmac one day, none of that Trek tat.

 

[Andrew_P]

Hacienda71 hit the nail with regards to handling and frame geometry. This makes a big difference !

Have to agree the Roubaix just fits me, plus I have done a lot of miles on it so it is what I am used to. The Boredman (my personal nickname) CX just doesn't feel the same in any way and give me less enjoyment hence my Daughter uses it, if it wasn't for that it would have been stuck on eBay ages ago.

 

[tigger]

I'm having a carbon conundrum of my own at the moment. Do I buy a new frame, at a bargain price, hand crafted by Italian masters Sarto that also happens to be prettty much the same geometry as my exisiting frame which I know and love?

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRSAHMCARR/planet_x_mondo_carbon_road_frame_and_fork

I don't need it and it won't make me any quicker. so...
a) Can I justify it?
b) If I can, would it be right to move my existing groupset over?
c) Does a frame like this only warrant a brand new high end groupo?

 

[edwardd67]

Cheers would appreciate..

Only managed 70 miles on my carbon bike. I felt i was flying.
Nice smooth ride, very responsive and quick.
Out tomorrow on my old Aluminium bike will be interesting if a feel any difference?

 

[ianrauk]

Only managed 70 miles on my carbon bike. I felt i was flying.
Nice smooth ride, very responsive and quick.
Out tomorrow on my old Aluminium bike will be interesting if a feel any difference?

Well you have already noticed a difference have you not?