All this talk from Interbike has the bike lust glands all revved up. I am thinking I need a new roadbike. I would like to build up a super light frame (for climbing). I was thinking carbon, but found it interesting that many carbon frames are heavier than many al or ti frames. Also, any advantage to a compact frame? I would assume they are lighter than a standard frame but does it change handling characteristics at all?
thanks
The supposed theoretical advantages of a compact frame were that a tighter rear triangle would be better for acceleration or hill climbing. Any weight advantages of a compact frame will likely be lost on the larger seat post.
Personally, if I was buying my dream road bike right now I’d probably go with titanium.
You should make a list of all the things that you want to gain from this bike.
If it is only weight and climbing a superlight carbon will be perfect.
If there are other considerations, handling, descending, comfort, all around riding and racing- you might want to consider something else.
I was thinking the same thing as you. I wanted a cervelo R2.5, but when I made my list- custom fit, descending, comfort and a non-integrated headset were more important than weight. I ended up getting a custom butted ti frame. It weighed in at less than 100 grams more than a Trek Madone or 5900 in my size and gave me everything that I wanted.
John H.
How about a light weight steel frame. It’s not chic, but still very light and strong and less pricey
The latest and greatest Cervelo R2.5 bike is as light as anyone could possibly want to ride. It seems too light for me, but I am a devout coward.
I don’t think you would want to go lighter than a Trek 5900 either. Frame and fork weigh around three pounds.
If you’re looking for a light carbon frame check out the following:
Scott CR1
Orbea Orca
Cervelo 2.5
Trek 5.9
They are all real light carbon frames.
Anyone pick up the new Felt F1C carbon bike?
This thing pushes the limit of how light a bike should be. 14.9lbs stock in a 56c frame.
Give us a call if you need help with any Triathlon needs.
The Scott Bike si the lightest carbon frame that I know… also the litespeed ghisallo is prety frekin light…
I think the scott is the lightest one that i know about… the new Giant bike ( i don’t know if it is out yet ) is supposed to be just as light…
A I am thinking I need a new roadbike. I would like to build up a super light frame (for climbing).
Low weight is great and with todays materials one can build a low weight bike. However low weight is simply not the answer for good climbing. Even a 5 lb bike is not sufficent to keep up with the big boys. The only thing that takes one to the top with the best climbers is the ability to suffer which is gained by doing repeated climbing at race efforts. Long efforts at LT are vital. LT efforts after 30-40 miles of fast paced racing are even better.
Go build the bike of your dreams, just know that you cannot buy your way to the front.
Isn’t the new Giant TCR supposed to be the lightest production frame? I’d definately look at TCR’s if you want carbon compacts.
The new r2.5 bayonne frame ($4,000)is 850 grams and has the highest strenth to weight ratio that i have seen. The felt carbon frame ($2,500) was awesome for the the 56 size frame weight was 2.1 pounds. The lightest bike i had seen at interbike was from the german manufacture storck. It weighed 8.5 pounds and it wasnt all hype. They had a 15 pound bike next to it and made it feel like an anchor.
Am in the market for a custom Ti frame. Curious who you chose. Were they helpful etc.
Thanks
fal7
I choose a custom Serotta Legend Ti- classic rear end rather than st.
Bike was designed to be just slightly longer in the tt than my Specialized e-5, longer front center by slackening head angle from 73.5 to 73.0, and designed to use a 1cm spacer with a ritchey -6 degree stem. Tubing was picked for my size (about 150 lb.) with maximum responsiveness and drive train rigidity.
It came out perfect! They turned it around very quickly as well. 15 days from order date to delivery.
It climbs as well as any bike I have ridden and descends better than any of my recent rigs.
Hope that helps,
John H.