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Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance?
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I am going to sign up for IM Florida in a couple of weeks; my first. I have an '06 Felt B2 with front/rear carbon forks, carbon seat posts & carbon aerobars; Dura-Ace components. Would the investment in an all carbon frame equate to appreciable energy conservation for the run? Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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yes. iron distance races were impossible before the advent of carbon frames.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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No. Get nicer tyres or run slightly lower pressure if you're worried about it.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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Of course. If it's not carbon, it's crap.

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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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unless everything on your bike is 100% carbon, why even bother. you cannot have success at IM without carbon - everyone knows this. also, you must have an aero helmet as well - preferably carbon -- of course.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [cyclenutnz] [ In reply to ]
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What do you mean my "run slightly lower pressure"?
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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I would invest in a good set of Zipp race wheels before getting a new frame. Plenty of Ironman people around here who did not use a carbon frame.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [Raptor] [ In reply to ]
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I have Zipp 404s...good enough?
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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I have no idea how I've gotten through the bike segment on my titanium ride;-)
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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If you are in the FOP, then maybe get a Zipp disc or a 1080 for the rear and for sure get an aero helmet. Other than that, your equipment is fine, just concentrate on the engine.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
What do you mean my "run slightly lower pressure"?

a couple of psi less in the tyres will more than cover frame differences,
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [cyclenutnz] [ In reply to ]
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Huh, I never thought about that, but wouldn't I be working a little harder? Thnx
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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I just finished IM Moo last month on an all-aluminum Soloist. I can say with 100% certainty that my bike frame was not the limiting factor in my performance.

That help?
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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Not necessarily. If you have a more comfortable ride, you might be able to go faster late in the race.

In any case, tyres, saddle, elbow pads, and shoe inserts make a much bigger difference to ride comfort than frame material.

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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [Raptor] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
I would invest in a good set of Zipp race wheels before getting a new frame. Plenty of Ironman people around here who did not use a carbon frame.


or zipp wheels, for that matter.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [bpq] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
yes. iron distance races were impossible before the advent of carbon frames.
LOL! Don't forget the aerohelmet. not ANY aerohelmet but GIRO ADVANTAGE is a must too.

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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [bpq] [ In reply to ]
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I am doing Florida this year.

What is carbon? Should I be worried?
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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Please read the Average Income at Kona thread. Then go straight to www.bikesportmichigan.com.

Just kidding. You'll be fine on that. Worry about your wetsuit fit before you bike frame material.

Good luck with the training.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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I'll take a titanflex over all carbon everyday.
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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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<< I have an '06 Felt B2 with front/rear carbon forks, carbon seat posts & carbon aerobars >>

That bike is a POS. You should give it to me, and buy yourself a proper CF steed.
You will never finish an IM on a bike like that, much less race well.
IF you even make it off the bike, you will deathmarch shuffle for 8 hrs, for sure.


(I have an '05 Felt B2 w/ Ultegra and alloy aerobars. It doesn't seem to hurt my results any.)


If you WANT to buy a new bike, have at it. Free country, keep the economy strong, all that good stuff.
Do you NEED a new bike? I think you can figger out my opinion on that.


float , hammer , and jog

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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [shushu] [ In reply to ]
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That is pretty funny - I figured you'd get pretty beat up with this thread, but my Cervelo Soloist Carbon is FAR stiffer and "beats me up" more than my old Aluminum Guru. Carbon is neither "stiff" nor "dampening" or noodly - it completely depends upon how the lay up goes (and most are pretty darn stiff).

Actually, if you want to completely generalize some, a good Ti frame will be the most comfortable for a long 112 mile stint.

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Re: Is an all carbon frame the only way to go for ironman distance? [rroof] [ In reply to ]
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With regards to "Murphy's Law"...I get your point. Very original...

Rrrrrroooofff! It's interesting the hazing the "first time blogger" endures to "learn the ropes"; however, I do appreciate YOUR response. I think I'll stick with my equipment except for a few minor upgrades unless I have a windfall of money!

Not so sure about the aero helmet though...it might not complement with my bone structure.... ha-ha-ha!

Thanks everyone! Y'all are great!
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