That was an enjoyable and informative read
@Mr Haematocrit
I'd kept seeing various brand names with their own, unique 'design' of carbon bikes/frames (
Specialized's FACT IS,
Cannondale's BallisTec etc) and just wondered how and where the industry standard was. If I buy an aluminium frame from a reputable manufacturer,
Giant, say, I know that varying factors, such as the cost of the bike and the manufacturers reputation and credibility packs a lot of punch. I'd assume that the grade of aluminium they source is 'good stuff'. I can look at the specs of the bike and, if it's stated, find out the grade/quality of aluminum they are using (in most cases) and that will help decide my purchase. Just in the same way as I'd rather buy a Bosch washing machine than an Argos '
in house' brand.
It seems that carbon is a mythical material in many ways (although it's been around for a long time, and used in bike manufacture for longer than most people perceive). The reason for my questioning, and what first led me to look into carbon manufacture, is that I bought a Ghost aluminium road bike in 2011. The fork is full carbon (steerer and fork) but I didn't know this until I disassembled the bike for maintenance a few months after purchase, and then still wasn't 100% sure. The specification sheet for the bike stated only that the fork was '
CG Carbon'. Was it a full carbon fork or carbon fork/alloy steerer? I looked on the net, but couldn't find any information on '
CG Carbon'. So, this led me to wanting some kind of verification. I recently found out that '
CG Carbon' is Ghost's '
own brand' fork
It could be the best part of the bike, just as much as it could be the worst part.
