is carbon really better than alum?

[Atyl1972]

OK, is carbon really that much better than aluminium, even in the top end aluminium bikes?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Each to their own buddy. As the Surly BLOG states:

"Steel is a great material for making bike frames - so is aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium."

[you can change which way round each material features in the above sentence]

Ride what you like and ride what makes you happy

 

[vickster]

Someone sent me this link http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/bike+frame+materials.html

As someone in the LBS also said to me today is that you do need to be careful with carbon, far less forgiving than Alu if you damage it

 

[aberal]

Someone sent me this link http://www.rei.com/e...+materials.html

As someone in the LBS also said to me today is that you do need to be careful with carbon, far less forgiving than Alu if you damage it

That's true. But aluminium, once damaged/bent/bashed can't be manipulated back into shape, so in some respects is as susceptiple to damage as carbon is. Steel or titanium on the other hand CAN be bent back into shape without compromising the strength of the material. My next bike will be titanium or if I can't stretch to it, steel.

 

[vickster]

I see you are a bigger chap...this may be worth considering - 100kg is actually 220lbs I think

How Much Do You Weigh?

If you go much above the 170-pound mark, whether through big bones or Big Macs, you'll want a bike with a higher strength. This may take an added pound of frame weight to achieve, but it's worth it in the long run. Also, steel and titanium are generally better for bigger riders due to something called elongation. They can flex more without breaking.

I expect a top end alu frame with carbon front and rear will be better than cheap carbon but most on here are way more expert than me