I want carbon, or do I?

[PhilDawson8270]

So,

I purchased a Norco Valence, and fitted it with a complete 105 Groupset and Shimano RS010 wheels (as stock wheels wouldn't take 11 speed cassette)

Now, I got an unexpected bonus from work, so spare money that is totally unaccounted for, I recently paid off my Credit Card, so no real debt to put it against either.

I fancy indulging myself in a carbon frameset.

I have no NEED for one, I am more overweight than a carbon frame would save over aluminum, and I would be switching over my 105 groupset, saddle, bars, etc.

I know it won't give me any performance benefit, but the way carbon molds at the joints rather than welding is something quite beautiful.

I am looking at the Planet X Pro Carbon frameset in Red, will I regret going to a carbon frame? What are general opinions of going to Carbon from Alloy?

 

[Hacienda71]

The geometry and design of the frame will have as much of a factor as the material. I do like my carbon frames, but I also like my alu and steel frames. All that said, if I was going to buy another frame I would be looking at carbon again or possibly Ti.

 

[Andrew_P]

The only bike or frame purchase you would regret is the one that doesn't fit you or is uncomfortable to ride. I am sure I notice a difference between my Alu CX and carbon road bike, but it could still be placebo but who cares?!

 

[vickster]

I went the other way, adding alu/carbon roadbike to a stable with carbon, then I went to steel...then I added an alu/carbon single speed...then 10 days ago I bought another alu/carbon roadbike which will become an alu/carbon flatbar
I still need to try titanium

Go for it, but buy the whole bike...n+1 and all that. I find carbon good on rough roads, but not all carbon is created equal. Steel however is more comfortable still for me...and I'm led to understand titanium more so

I'm fond of my carbon roadbike, it was the first drop bar I owned, I've now had it longer than any other, and I think I've only ever seen three of the same frame in the wild...in the 4 or so years I've had it

 

[Drago]

You want it, you do it. I'd do it myself but no one guarantees a carbon road frame for riders above 105kg, which puts me 9.3kg out of the game

 

[PhilDawson8270]

You want it, you do it. I'd do it myself but no one guarantees a carbon road frame for riders above 105kg, which puts me 9.3kg out of the game

I'm currently 85kg, so hopefully no issues there.

 

[vickster]

How tall are you? If you dont mind blue, this is a v good deal

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/YBCL761168/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-road-bike-medium-blue

Or if you want something more colourful and different

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/YBSH60...no-shimano-105-road-bike-medium-red--blue-new

 

[samsbike]

I agree with the way carbon looks, but I would get a good frameset. Good aluminum is better than cheap carbon. I am not sure what good carbon is tbh, but take a look at elite bikes and new kids on the block like Mason (only steel and al though) and something like a hewitt carbon.

Also Jamis make nice bikes (and I know you said framesets but you never know in an Evans sale!)

 

[PhilDawson8270]

How tall are you? If you dont mind blue, this is a v good deal

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/YBCL761168/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-road-bike-medium-blue

Or if you want something more colourful and different

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/YBSH60...no-shimano-105-road-bike-medium-red--blue-new

I am 182cm

 

[vickster]

What's that in real money? 5'11? Medium might be ok, or might be a bit small. You'd need to ride one

 

[midlife]

If I came into a few bob I'd think about titanium. OK the one I would look for is from the 70's ......

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/British_isles/speedwell/Speedwell_home.htm

Shaun

 

[jonny jeez]

So,

I purchased a Norco Valence, and fitted it with a complete 105 Groupset and Shimano RS010 wheels (as stock wheels wouldn't take 11 speed cassette)

Now, I got an unexpected bonus from work, so spare money that is totally unaccounted for, I recently paid off my Credit Card, so no real debt to put it against either.

I fancy indulging myself in a carbon frameset.

I have no NEED for one, I am more overweight than a carbon frame would save over aluminum, and I would be switching over my 105 groupset, saddle, bars, etc.

I know it won't give me any performance benefit, but the way carbon molds at the joints rather than welding is something quite beautiful.

I am looking at the Planet X Pro Carbon frameset in Red, will I regret going to a carbon frame? What are general opinions of going to Carbon from Alloy?

Yep...me too I have the cash for carbon but just cant see any advantage over my trusty ali frame, I could loose a couple of stone and gain 10 times the weight advantage...perhaps I actually should do that.

I chose to invest in some flash fat summer wheels for now.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

What's that in real money? 5'11? Medium might be ok, or might be a bit small. You'd need to ride one

Somewhere between 6' and 6'1"

I currently ride a 58cm frame, The effective top tube length of the PX and my Norco are within about 7mm, so a slightly longer stem on the PX should compensate.

The planet X just seems a bit shorter in height, but similar in length for the Large frame, which I think is what I will go for. It is also Planet X's suggested size for my height, fitting right in the centre of it.

 

[vickster]

Cool

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I may have accidentally entered my PayPal password and ordered a Large frame in Gloss Red.....................