Is Carbon that much better than aluminium ?

[ianrauk]

I think carbon has a place, but not on bikes

 

[potsy]

What are the advantages of Titanium over carbon then?
I am contemplating getting a really nice bike later in the year or early next year, it will be my weekend/leisure bike and won't be used for commutes.

 

[ianrauk]

Cost?

Is that really a downside? Prices for carbon frames are coming down are they not?

 

[ianrauk]

+1 I've recently bought a Cannondale CAAD10, yes it's aluminium, but it rides equally as well as my Focus Cayo, and with wheelset I put on it the overall package is far better IMO.
The confidence I have on the CAAD at speed is something I've never felt on a carbon bike. IMO, carbon has it's place, but it's not on the pot holed streets of GB.

But you're probably no where near the same size as that big norvern oaf..

 

[ianrauk]

Some people talk about failure modes and hidden damage and delamination when discussing carbon frames.

Seeing as the majority of carbon frames have lifetime warranty's I wouldn't have though failure modes, hidden damage and delamination should worry anybody.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

What are the advantages of Titanium over carbon then?

Don't get a plazzy one Pots - that fancy carbon might be ok for squash bats but not bicycles. I'd rather have a bike made from chicken wire and papier mache.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

So apart from being lighter, being more comfortable, being more forgiving and giving a smoother ride, just what has carbon ever done for us?

nearly killed me when my £5k scott genius ltd snapped.

nice website for carbon fibre bike riders.



www.bustedcarbon.com

 

[potsy]

But you're probably no where near the same size as that big norvern oaf..

nearly killed me when my £5k scott genius ltd snapped.


www.bustedcarbon.com

 

[ianrauk]

Did I not say this thread would open up a can of worms...

 

[slowmotion]

Is that really a downside? Prices for carbon frames are coming down are they not?

I'm just sick with envy, that's all. I bought the Secteur and couldn't justify another £700 for the Roubaix, much as I would have loved to.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

We're only jealous.

Tell you who's got a nice carbon bike, topcat1, that white PX he's got is lovely.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Seeing as the majority of carbon frames have lifetime warranty's I wouldn't have though failure modes, hidden damage and delamination should worry anybody.

scott genius ltd full monty carbon fibre rig, full six inch of suspension front and back, the frame snapped going down a very gentle sloped mini valley(?). the wheel stopped, i kept going into an unconscious heap. fractured eye socket and two big f*** off gouges down the side of my head where it had fit between 2 stumps. luckily, i wasn't wearing a helmet, if i was, my head wouldn't have fit through the gap and my neck would have been broken.

frame replaced under lifetime warranty, no apology. promptly sold. i won't ride carbon now, far far too scared. my cx has cf forks, i didn't know when i bought it as they are sprayed same colour as the frame. i will probably sell it.

 

[addictfreak]

scott genius ltd full monty carbon fibre rig, full six inch of suspension front and back, the frame snapped going down a very gentle sloped mini valley(?). the wheel stopped, i kept going into an unconscious heap. fractured eye socket and two big f*** off gouges down the side of my head where it had fit between 2 stumps. luckily, i wasn't wearing a helmet, if i was, my head wouldn't have fit through the gap and my neck would have been broken.

frame replaced under lifetime warranty, no apology. promptly sold. i won't ride carbon now, far far too scared. my cx has cf forks, i didn't know when i bought it as they are sprayed same colour as the frame. i will probably sell it.

Nice one, you managed to have a go at carbon and helmets in the same paragraph

 

[asterix]

Carbon bikes look nice but I prefer steel: experience over a few years tells me it is very strong and won't let me down.

 

[tyred]

Nice one, you managed to have a go at carbon and helmets in the same paragraph

But had he used an appropriate lube on his chain at the time and was he using clipless pedals?