Steel vs Allo-Carbon

[Bike_Me]

Hi all,

So after months of research, I've narrowed down my choices to 2 bikes to choose from to purchase via works cyclescheme, a Charge Juicer (steel) and Cinelli Experience Veloce (Allo-Carbon).

I've narrowed it down based on price, looks and gear. I'll be testing them soon to hopefully give me a better understanding to how they ride and compare.

In terms of durability, reliability, longevity and maintainance, can anyone please shed some light on the traits / characteristics of Steel and Allo-Carbon, and how they compare? I intend on keeping the bike for a long time, and intend on riding in to work everyday all year round.

Thanks for the help!

 

[samsbike]

Can you get any test rides before buying - that will help to make the right decision as the geometries etc may also vary

 

[Bike_Me]

I will be for sure testing the two before making any final decision. I'm just curious to know how the two types compare in the long run and how they compare in terms of wear and tear in different due to weather conditions / milage.

 

[fossyant]

I'd get the Cinelli, just because its a Cinelli.

I've got 2 steel road bikes, and a alloy/carbon fixed gear road bike. The main difference is the steel bikes zuzz out bad road surfaces better. Down side is steel is usually heavier.

I'd pick the bike based upon components and ride. The Charge does use Tange Prestige, which is a good tube set.

Wear and tear - no difference between the two. The ride will be different, so see which you like best.

 

[Bike_Me]

Cheers for the advice Fossy!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

All that fossy said.

tyres and saddle and bars will make more difference to the feel than frame material I'd wager.

I've an ali frame/carbon forked bike. Ti railed saddle and a change of tyres sorted the zing.

 

[Bike_Me]

Cheers Greg!

One thing that draws me back to Charge Juicer are the thin steel tubes, and overall, IMHO its a beautiful bike.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I like a Tange tubeset me. Got a steel kona mtb in the shed.

 

[lulubel]

I love the look of thin, steel tubes. When I got my steel frame, my partner was shocked by how "delicate" it looked, but it's tough as anything. The ride is also lovely (but it's really difficult to check that your headset top cap is done up tight enough because there's so much give in the forks).

 

[fossyant]

I like a Tange tubeset me. Got a steel kona mtb in the shed.

Same here, got a Tange cromo mtb. That said my best bike is Columbus SLX which is one of the best tubesets in its time.