Can anyone explain the difference in the three types of carbon frames trek has RED__BLACK__WHITE I read what the web site says but is there a noticeable difference? What is your opinion?
Quality of carbon. I’m guessing it’s basically OCLV 55 = red, OCLV 110 = black, OCLV 120 = white. The numbers were the gsm weight (grams/meter^2) of the fiber they used. But again, that’s pure speculation.
Which would you think would make the best tri-bike? I’m not sure the 55 would be my choice.
From the various web reveiws its a combination of types of carbon and lay up pattern. Even the 55, 100, etc designation that Trek used to use was misleading. The fabric may have weighed that much but the amount of resin was pretty much constant and more of the lighter fabric was sometimes used to get the properties they wanted.
Styrrell
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Someone gets it.
Are you saying there is no big difference? Would they all ride close to the same and weigh about the same? I had a Trek 120 carbon, the 110 carbon came out then the 55 and I heard that even though the 55 was much lighter it was very harsh. I also heard that in the tour Discovery rode 110 carbon. in the mountains some rode 55 carbon but on cobble they all rode 120. Is this just salesmanship?
That isn’t what I’m saying, but the truth lies in the material itself, not the names it has been given.
I hear lots about what the team rides also, but there will always be speculation. There is certainly more subjective ride quality in a good set of tires vs. differences in these frames.
-SD
Its just not as simple as say 55 is 1/2 a light as 110 so a frame should b e half the weight. Carbon is normally specified in industry by stiffness and tensile strenght. Normally, the stiffer and stronger better for making a light structure, but the downside is when you flex stiffer fibers they tend to fracture easily.
You need to combine the right types of fiber with the right weave and the right number of layers in the right places.
55 vs 110 actually tells you nothing about the suitability of the fibers for use in a bike frame. I’m not criticizing Trek, they found a good way of advertising the differences between levels of frames using a terminology that give their compition 0 information, but still sounds hi tech to the public.
I think they are making a mistake by going to the new color terminology. Blue vs red doesn’t sound as nifty as 55 grade vs 110 grade, but both are just a meaningful.
Styrrell
So can anyone tell us what the difference is. Or what they think it may be between the 3 frames 55/red 110/black 120//white As the numbers get smaller the frames are supposed to get stiffer and lighter. As the numbers get bigger they say the frame gets heavier and more compliant.
If you were going to buy a TTX which would you buy? I ride a 120 road bike and on the chip and seal roads it is great. I have no experience with the other two 110//55.
I’m thinking the Black//110 may be the best. Tri bike.
Dan do you know anything about this? Also Trek is now offering what looks like an extended warranty just like cars do.
Absent a road test I don’t think your question can be answered accurately. In a blind test with the same components I suspect you couldn’t tell a difference. The pricier frame should weigh less, but I doubt its significant enough to “feel”. Same with the stiffness. Trek normally sells whole bikes and I’m assuming the pricier frame comes with pricier parts, which is probably more important.
Performance wise I don’t think you will see a difference in placings due to the better frame, but they are toys and style, fashion, coolness, etc matter. Go with your gut feeling on whether the $$ are worth diminishing returns.
Seeing as you asked if I was buying a TTX I’d go lower line for the $$. If I had more disposable income I’d spring for the best, but more just because rather than any real reason. (Of course if I win the lotto it either a Calfee Bamboo or a Walser, depending on mood, oh what the heck one of each.)
Styrrell
I think you can probably feel the difference. Not like riding a trek 1000 vs. a red carbon TTX, but a 120 ttx vs. a 55 ttx would be ever so slightly noticeable.
Not saying it would be faster though. The 9.9 SSL is a sweet looking bike, but the frame itself does not make it faster than the 9.0. The parts will (mostly wheels).
I ride the 110 and no problems. Still lightweight and strong. I do not notice any flex while hammering up a hill. I am a fairly large rider (6’2 200lbs). I didn’t want to pay the extra $$$ for the red carbon version which is the TTX SSL. The SSL is the ultimate machine though. SRAM red group!!