If anybody has noticed, I do not have "Just say no to Frankenbikes" on my signature any longer. I am still against Integrated Headsets, however. This stems from a conversation that I had with Juan from Nova Cycle Supply (while getting a shift boss kit), a supplier to quite a few small frame builders.
In our long conversation, I realised two things: this Juan guy is incredibly intelligent, and he knows fabrication inside and out. Basically, the installation of the chainstays is dummy-proof, and actually makes straighter frames as a result. The installation of a carbon chainstay could be done without glue; though there would be quite a few rattles. It works on compression. Also, the spec'd glue has (what he calls)engineering plastic which acts as an insulator against galvanic corrosion.
Carbon stays are being sold at Nova only as an improvement in ride quality, not weight reduction. Almost every aluminum chain and seat stay will be lighter than the carbon assembly. The carbon stay is easier to install and with good preparation, will not have any galvanic corrosion. Juan said that he NEVER had any complaints on carbon stays, and it has actually helped make many small builders yield straighter, easier to build frames.
I am not going to jump out and buy a frame with a carbon rear end anytime soon, but after this conversation, I have faith that my first frame could be made quite easily and pretty straight. I would build my frame out of steel with carbon, as this would result in a reduction in weight with a great feel to the frame. If I undertake this job, I would use Foco with a carbon rear assembly (chain and seat stays).
You can still not convince me that integrated headsets are any better than the non-integrated ones they replace. But Frankenbikes are okay. The verdict will be in riding my pal's Fondriest, which is steel with carbon.
In our long conversation, I realised two things: this Juan guy is incredibly intelligent, and he knows fabrication inside and out. Basically, the installation of the chainstays is dummy-proof, and actually makes straighter frames as a result. The installation of a carbon chainstay could be done without glue; though there would be quite a few rattles. It works on compression. Also, the spec'd glue has (what he calls)engineering plastic which acts as an insulator against galvanic corrosion.
Carbon stays are being sold at Nova only as an improvement in ride quality, not weight reduction. Almost every aluminum chain and seat stay will be lighter than the carbon assembly. The carbon stay is easier to install and with good preparation, will not have any galvanic corrosion. Juan said that he NEVER had any complaints on carbon stays, and it has actually helped make many small builders yield straighter, easier to build frames.
I am not going to jump out and buy a frame with a carbon rear end anytime soon, but after this conversation, I have faith that my first frame could be made quite easily and pretty straight. I would build my frame out of steel with carbon, as this would result in a reduction in weight with a great feel to the frame. If I undertake this job, I would use Foco with a carbon rear assembly (chain and seat stays).
You can still not convince me that integrated headsets are any better than the non-integrated ones they replace. But Frankenbikes are okay. The verdict will be in riding my pal's Fondriest, which is steel with carbon.