What are the pros / cons of having a carbon chainstay on a bike that is primarily made of AL, TI, or Steel?
Most obvious is comfort factor. But is the connection (lug I think it’s called) a potential weak point in the frame that wouldn’t be as vulnerable in a single material frame.
Frame in question is the Litespeed Ultimate.
Lugged construction is VERY strong. You needn’t worry about the safety of a carbon rear triangle, especially on a Litespeed.
The primary “pro” are that the carbon is MUCH better at damping vibration compared to Al and is still notably better than steel or Ti (though not to the same degree as with Aluminum, which is you see it so ubiquitously on Al frames these days). The Ultimate is a VERY stiff frame, so it may be more in need of a damper than some of the other frames. Herbert would be able to answer best why they put it on that particular frame.
Not really any known cons. It might be a tad heavier than a single material frame due to the lug & glue. And you do have to account for the different expansion rates of the carbon vs the metal. But any top builder will have done that. I guess if you scratch it, it is not as easy to clean-up as brushed titanium. If it is done by a shoddy manufacturer, the joint could be a problem, but there are probably all kinds of other potential problems with buying a bike from a second rate builder.
carbon taking on a bit more of the vibrations then a metal material making it a bit more comfortable over the long haul.
That frame is un-freakin’-believably sexy. When I win the lottery, I’ll have one. Been riding an '01 Ultimate for nearly 5 years and I love it. It pulls double duty as a road/tri bike with ease - at least for me. With Litespeed’s warranty program, you can’t go wrong - and I understand that their customer service is second to none. Pull the trigger - you won’t be disappointed.