Do I need Carbon Fibre???

[iggibizzle]

I like going past people on their carbon bikes on hills, on my steel, whilst wearing a rucksack. having said that I'd like a carbon bike one day. Don't feel I need one though.

 

[SteCenturion]

It's a type of cake.

just a small slice for me please, Ta.

 

[mustang1]

Did you ever watch the movie "avatar"? One of my fav movies. In there, the Navi have bones made of carbon fibre (or at least some kind of derivative).

And thats why you should have a carbon fibre bike.

A second reason why you should get one is because I think you want one, and a want is the same as a need. So instead of worrying about the justification of getting one or not, if you can afford it, then get it.

I test rode a cf bike some years ago with a view of NOT buying it but I ended up liking it so much that when I walked back into the shop with a big grin on my face, the guy knew instantly that he had a sale. Kerching.

Edit, fixed typos. Friggin soft keyboards.

 

[Dirk]

I would hazard a guess that the weight different between your Alu Giant Defy and a CF bike wouldn't be a lot. Marginal gains I would expect.

My Defy 5 is 1.5kg heavier than my Focus Cayo.

 

[Elybazza61]

I would hazard a guess that the weight different between your Alu Giant Defy and a CF bike wouldn't be a lot. Marginal gains I would expect.

My Defy 5 is 1.5kg heavier than my Focus Cayo.

And my Ridley helium sl is a good 3kgs lighter than my ally Icarus(6.5 compared to around 9.5 with the same wheels*) and as a bonus I am a good 7kgs lighter than I was this time last year;so now I'm hauling 10kgs less than I did then.


*Different groupsets though Ultegra 11spd v 105 10 spd.

 

[Drago]

But then I'm probably 30kg heavier than you. Best gains are always off your waistline if weight is your thang.

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi Guys,
New to the forum, hope someone can offer some advice.

I have been cycling for around 2 years and try to get in around 50 to 100m a week and enter a few sportives a year.

Since taking cycling up I have been riding a Specialized Allez Sport which is an alu frame with carbon forks. I have upgraded the wheels to Fulcrum Quattro's which made a big difference to the feel of the bike. Overall I am very pleased with it and love the frame but am now thinking is it time it got relegated to a "winter bike"

Now that I have gotten into more than I ever thought, the n+1 formula has bitten pretty bad and I am thinking is there is any point in upgrading to Carbon Fibre bike. I have been looking quite a bit into the Focus Cayo Evo 2 which I can pick up for around £1500.

What I am unsure of is will I really notice that much difference or will it be a wasted £1500?. A friend of mine has gone from a Defy 1 to Bianchi Sempre and he swears that it is has made a huge difference.

Any advice would be appreciated
Chris

You will notice a difference in the feel of the ride but it will show no gain...ultimately it's a total waste of money.

I can't wait to get my carbon weekend bike too....you only live once!

 

[Justinslow]

But then I'm probably 30kg heavier than you. Best gains are always off your waistline if weight is your thang.

Interesting diversion here and I'm sure it's been discussed many times but I wonder if there is an optimum weight for a bike or is it lightest is best end of. And is there an optimum weight for a rider, obviously you can't go too light or you would have little muscles?

 

[cyberknight]

But then I'm probably 30kg heavier than you. Best gains are always off your waistline if weight is your thang.

I hope to lose about 2-3 kg for summer , not a lot for some i know but its that last bit i want to shift which im struggling with and i am not allowed any more upgrades or n+ 1 .