I am wondering how long carbon frames "last," and what signs of age can show in them. I realize that a lot of wear and tear might be invisible to the eye, or may not be an issue at all.

I have one of the original Orbea Orcas, the '05 model. Nice bike, though it never blew me away over aluminum frames that I rode before it. It was one of the super cool models to own at the time, a solid value, and has been an excellent bike to own.

I've had it for eight years, and ridden it mostly on long fitness rides, a few thousand miles per year. I raced it a bit when I was into racing, and have done a few tri's on it too (though it's not tri geometry by any means).

Now I am starting to get the "itch" for a new frame, and I'm wondering: Does carbon "get old"? Would a newer frame, like a Cervelo R3, or Specialized Tarmac be radically different technology-wise? I am also strongly considering a titanium custom frame to "take me into middle age," and I know that those last a long time.

I have nothing against selling off old bikes, but with my Orca, it hasn't been worth doing so. I've kept it due to the nice lifetime warranty, and because I couldn't get enough for it in my mind relative to what it cost (I built it up with a custom Dura Ace package).