Aliminium against Carbon

[country joe]

If only using a road bike to keep fit, no racing etc,
Is it worth the extra money for Carbon,
How much lighter is a carbon bike compared to a really good Aliminium,
My Bike has carbon front forks and seat post, which they say gives a more comfortable ride,
So a full carbon would be more comfortable.

 

[very-near]

If only using a road bike to keep fit, no racing etc,
Is it worth the extra money for Carbon,
How much lighter is a carbon bike compared to a really good Aliminium,
My Bike has carbon front forks and seat post, which they say gives a more comfortable ride,
So a full carbon would be more comfortable.

IMO not worth it for the extra cost, but I did test ride a carbon Scott roadie a couple of years and it was bloody lovely - you would expect that for a £1500 bike though

 

[RedBike]

If only using a road bike to keep fit, no racing etc,
Is it worth the extra money for Carbon,

It's probably not worth spending a fortune on lighter parts. Although a bit of comfort never goes a miss.

How much lighter is a carbon bike compared to a really good Aliminium,

Irronically, at the lower budget end carbon frames are often heavier than similar priced aluminium ones. Also aluminium bikes are often much better equiped making the overall bike far lighter.

So a full carbon would be more comfortable.

Sort of. Carbon is good at absorbing vibration. However, carbon frames are often aimed at the race market. Think brutally stiff and arse up head down geometry.

If you're after comfort and not racing perhaps a good steel frame with carbon forks. The vibration damping of carbon and the 'springy-ness' of steel.

 

[jimboalee]

My SWorks is a 2004 M5 Aluminium.

In its present state, it's 16.5lb.
If I got a pair of Corima carbon wheels and a Dura Ace groupo, it would be 15.05lb, just over the UCI limit; - thus

But I wouldn't spend the money cus I don't race any more; AND I won't take the paint off to save weight.

I.E. Carbon is not really an advantage.

The photo is Michaeli Scarponi's bike from the '04 TdeF.

 

[Marin Maniac]

My SWorks is a 2004 M5 Aluminium.

In its present state, it's 16.5lb.
If I got a pair of Corima carbon wheels and a Dura Ace groupo, it would be 15.05lb, just over the UCI limit; - thus

But I wouldn't spend the money cus I don't race any more; AND I won't take the paint off to save weight.

I.E. Carbon is not really an advantage.

The photo is Michaeli Scarponi's bike from the '04 TdeF.

Say thats a nice bike.

 

[Will1985]

If you're going to spend any money, get some trick wheels - there should be a more noticeable improvement out of them than a new frame.

Where are the beardies saying he should have a Brooks saddle for comfort?

 

[Randochap]

He should have a Brooks saddle for comfort.

 

[PpPete]

He should have a Brooks saddle for comfort.

But only a steel frame !
(now where's that bearded smiley gone?)

 

[HJ]

The only reliable way to find out which is right for you, is to find a good LBS and try a few...

 

[yenrod]

Carbon seatposts...'go !

(snap)

 

[yenrod]

That chains too short !

 

[Black Sheep]

But only a steel frame !
(now where's that bearded smiley gone?)

i agree wholeheartedly, steel frames (lighter than an aluminium one i've got in my flat at the moment!) and a brooks saddle

tis the way of the future...















...retro!

 

[peanut]

If only using a road bike to keep fit, no racing etc,
Is it worth the extra money for Carbon,
How much lighter is a carbon bike compared to a really good Aliminium,
My Bike has carbon front forks and seat post, which they say gives a more comfortable ride,
So a full carbon would be more comfortable.

I would also recommend steel with carbon forks. That way you will have a lightweight comfortable ride. Perfect for your purpose. There is nothing as comfortable to ride as steel. its the real deal

 

[bonj2]

Why hasn't he got a brooks saddle for comfort?

 

[gavintc]

A carbon bike is just so much more enjoyable than alu as a material. Remember cycling is supposed to be a pastime/hobby/sport which are you expected to enjoy not endure. If you can afford carbon, your smile factor will increase considerably.