Looking to ugrade from my titanium tri frame to full carbon frame (would be interested in thoughts on the benefits of carbon vs. ti in relating to ride quality, etc.). Also, current ti bike is 650cc wheels (I am 5’10”) and want to just buy frame and switch over components to save money—please offer thoughts on possible options. Have looked at Kestrel Airfoil but get mixed feedback. I do IM dist tris.
Thanks for any input.
I have the older KM40 (2002 model) and have been very happy, but then it happens to fit me just right also. That is the biggest factor since they are not available in too many sizes. I don’t think there is any difference between carbon and titanium in terms of performance or comfort, the design of the frame will be the biggest factor. If you define “ride quality” as comfort or ability to absorb road shock, then your best bet is to go to someplace with a huge selection of bikes you would consider and ride them all. Back to back you can notice some differences. The only generalizations I’d be willing to make about frame materials are: Titanium is expensive, carbon and titanium do not corrode, while chromoly does, and carbon is more “shapable”.
I own a Kestrel 500sci and 200sci. I have also ridden a KM40. All these bikes ride well. I currently am playing around w/ a 2004 Cervelo Soloist Team and an Orbea XL8R. These bikes are aluminum frames(the Orbea w/ carbon rear triangle). Neither is as comfortable a ride for hours in the saddle vs. Kestrel…but the are much better sprinters/climbers. I think you would like the Airfoil.
HC
Dapper Dan covered most of what I have to say on the subject. The biggest question is whether you can get a good fit. I’m 6’2" on 56cm and have the saddle all the way forward on its rails. If I were any smaller, I think I’d have to go to a forward seatpost. Of course, that’s not just a function of my overall height; proportions may matter just as much.
This will be my ninth season on the KM40, including one full and many halfs. The longer the event, the better I like it. It’s beginning to look a little worse for wear, though. CF inherently has somewhat more tender paint, because it can’t be baked. Before I’d buy another frame, however, I’d just strip this one and send it back to Kestrel for a repaint. It’s still the right frame for me.
David