Hi,
I would be interested to hear of you thoughts (or sons thoughts) on how smartweld compares to carbon, if you have tried a carbon frame.
He's only ridden aluminium, so it will be tricky to compare. I'll try and get a short ride in on it, but can only compare it with my relaxed geometry carbon frame (which is fairly harsh for carbon anyway).
First impressions, it is light, and feel solid and stiff. The wheels may get changed (his old bike has some lighter Cero Ar24's).
His first ride on it yesterday (20 miles) over some rough roads, it was a little harsh but quick. His fitness isn't the best at the moment so he didn't push on the hills (lazy teenager).
My thoughts for him were that good quality aluminium would be better that low end carbon at our price point. Plus he thinks he might race so this should cover that option. Plus the matte black looks great.