I’m thinking of taking the plunge and getting my first cf frame/fork/bars combo.
Should I be nervous of the bike being high maintenance? I think I’ve read before that carbon’s worse than aluminum in that it’s easier to crack the material accidentally. Are these bikes high maintenance and should I just get another alu frame with a carbon fork?
Thanks.
Carbon is highly explosive and must be treated, at all times, like nitroglycerin. It is so fragile, that if you hit one rock the wrong way… KABOOOOM. Frame is toast. The good news is that carbon soaks up vibration.
So…I should stay away from it?
Why’s your re: in pink?
Because he is being sarcastic. Its 2010, get a carbon bike… you will be glad you did
Because he is being sarcastic. Its 2010, get a carbon bike… you will be glad you did
Yeah until it explodes.
For the moment Carbon rules for the ride. But ya, I am actually afraid to ride mine in really cold temps.And ya one good crash that would just bounce around your aluminum frame will render your carbon useless. It’s just the evolution of the bike frame and all its quirks.
I have had my 5200 trek for years. Just repainted it. Plastic bikes are great. I would buy another in 20-30 years or when it needs replaced.
All bikes break…eventually. In 2010 you can’t go wrong witha any high quality bike you buy. Hell, they are starting to make downhill/freeride bikes out of carbon.
For the moment Carbon rules for the ride.
I had an interesting discussion last week with one of the leading bike retailers in the U.S. We agreed that with the advent of the carbon frame the actual frame part of the bike has been somewhat commoditized. I challenge any one to ride the top carbon frames from various manufacturers and all other things being equal, to really be able to tell the difference. The real differences are in the contact points and power transfer parts of the bike. That’s where you are going to see real differences - pedals, shoes, cleats, handlebars, wheels, saddles, even bar tape!
I find it odd how people go on and on and on here about frames, yet there is often very little discussion about the things listed above that have a real impact on how a bike feels and performs.
That’s a good point.
So carbon fiber crank or alloy crank? 
So carbon fiber crank or alloy crank?
FWIW I ride on a Dura Ace 7800 alloy crank. Works just fine for me!
For the moment Carbon rules for the ride.
I had an interesting discussion last week with one of the leading bike retailers in the U.S. We agreed that with the advent of the carbon frame the actual frame part of the bike has been somewhat commoditized. I challenge any one to ride the top carbon frames from various manufacturers and all other things being equal, to really be able to tell the difference. The real differences are in the contact points and power transfer parts of the bike. That’s where you are going to see real differences - pedals, shoes, cleats, handlebars, wheels, saddles, even bar tape!
I find it odd how people go on and on and on here about frames, yet there is often very little discussion about the things listed above that have a real impact on how a bike feels and performs.
Well I have experience, on the top frame from 09 and 10 from the same company. I owned both, they had the exact same components. HUGE difference. Climbing and sprinting, my 09 feels soft and flexy compare to my 10. The difference is night and day. I was satified with my 09, I love my 10. So yeah gona disagree on this one. Not the best comparison but I also have a decent amount of time on a Trek 5500, realy whippy and soft feeling compare to the 09 and 10 bike I have. The Trek has DA my bike has a mix of Ultegra and other stuff.
As for cranks, Alu all the way, carbon as far as I can see has no advatange. Alu is lighter and stiffer.