Describe a carbon ride

[xxmimixx]

Given bikes vary more than I first realised I would definitely recommend you try 3 different bikes, may be more.

3??

But I only have 1 true love ...

CUBE

 

[Fletch456]

3??

But I only have 1 true love ...

CUBE

I am a bit of a perfectionist. And they do all vary a bit at least...some quite a lot. Not all carbon is equal...one carbon frame is not analogous with another. But then I also don't have the budget something like a time which is handmade with different carbon weaves per layer for a specific overall effect on the ride. I can dream....

If you're that brand loyal just go and try a Cube carbon. I think they always look good and you do get good value for your money don't you.

 

[xxmimixx]

If you're that brand loyal just go and try a Cube carbon. I think they always look good and you do get good value for your money don't you.

not at all. I m just shallow as I really like their looks (but suppose have decent specs for the money as well and that helps justify...)

 

[rsvdaz]

lol..i have the gtc pro.....and agree...looks fanbloodytastic

 

[Fletch456]

not at all. I m just shallow as I really like their looks (but suppose have decent specs for the money as well and that helps justify...)

I am right with you on the looks part - I would have got myself a Cannondale instead of a Trek - they put the logo literally every where on the bike - partly on that basis alone but couldn't get one when I wanted it owing to the delay in setting up new distributor this year.

 

[smokeysmoo]

What happened that's put you off carbon so much ?

Nothing drastic ever has happened to be fair Gaz. I sold the Madone as I got an offer I couldn't refuse and went back to MTB's with a Focus Raven Pro, (cf frame needed changing due to paint defect after a short time), then decided to go back to a road bike and got the Focus Cayo Pro, (frame needed changing on this also, and was swopped by Wiggle for an Izalco frame). After this it struck me that in 38 years I've never had to have an alu or steel frame changed for any reason, (I know others have), but after having 2 c/f frames changed for reasons that could never be fully explained to me, coupled with reading cf horror stories, (I know, I know ), I just decided when I saw the CAAD10 that cf was IMO simply an unneccessary extravagance.

My CAAD10 is lighter than any cf bike I've had, (or could ever afford), and it rides better than any bike I've ever owned, but I know you have an appreciation of CAAD's as a former CAAD9 owner.
At the end of the day it's each to their own isn't it. We ride what makes us happy

 

[gb155]

Nothing drastic ever has happened to be fair Gaz. I sold the Madone as I got an offer I couldn't refuse and went back to MTB's with a Focus Raven Pro, (cf frame needed changing due to paint defect after a short time), then decided to go back to a road bike and got the Focus Cayo Pro, (frame needed changing on this also, and was swopped by Wiggle for an Izalco frame). After this it struck me that in 38 years I've never had to have an alu or steel frame changed for any reason, (I know others have), but after having 2 c/f frames changed for reasons that could never be fully explained to me, coupled with reading cf horror stories, (I know, I know ), I just decided when I saw the CAAD10 that cf was IMO simply an unneccessary extravagance.

My CAAD10 is lighter than any cf bike I've had, (or could ever afford), and it rides better than any bike I've ever owned, but I know you have an appreciation of CAAD's as a former CAAD9 owner.
At the end of the day it's each to their own isn't it. We ride what makes us happy

Yup that's fair enough mate - just had to ask

As an aside , the cube frame on my mtb cracked after what was around 200/300 miles, canal, snow miles, no jumps etc ( brand new from surosa) while it got replaced I lost all confidence in it

 

[the_mikey]

If you end up riding on a section of cold-planed tarmac (this is when they grind off the top layer prior to resurfacing) you will be able to feel the seat stays actually flexing underneath you like suspension.

In between dodging all of the exposed drain covers!

 

[Cyclopathic]

Are you going to getthe full group set?

 

[JonnyBlade]

When I descend at speed 'Stan' gives out a gentle whistle

 

[Cosmicned]

I traded up from my much loved Boardman comp aluminium frame to a full carbon Specialized Roubaix Pro recently & my feelings are that apart from the 3-4 lbs lighter weight (hills are a breeze now ;-) the ride is way smoother & much less fatiguing. carbon seems to iron out a lot of road buzz & harshness from crappy roads...

 

[tiswas-steve]

I just love the hummmmmmmm my Agree GTC Race gives off when at a fast pace, it's like being chased by a friendly swarm of Cube loving buzzy bee,s. ;-)

 

[smokeysmoo]

Are you going to get the full group set?

LOL! I won't be getting a full chainring, more something like this,

 

[fossyant]

Any frame material can be harsh/stiff/smooth etc. It's all down to layup (for carbon), geometry and built in 'vertical compliance and lateral rigidity' (been reading spec sheets). Yadda yadda.

My steel bikes ride much better over poor road surfaces than my alloy/carbon fixed.

Spesh Roubaix are known to be very comfy, but I'd bet a Tarmac SL4 or Venge gives a much harsher ride.

 

[vickster]

Mine is lovely, across the last 125 miles ...shame the roads are so s*** around here! Don't get the bone juddering as with my alu bike (ok we are comparing £500 with £1300 but hey)

It wasn't a difficult decision in the end as I wanted something different to my alu hybrids, hence the choice of carbon over alu for the drop bars. I wanted a toy not an everyday ride, for the latter I think I would have gone aluminium and cheaper.

xxmimixx have you ridden a carbon bike - I didn't test but then I wasn't coming from drops