Aluminium or Carbon?

andydad
andydad Posts: 50
edited March 2010 in Road buying advice
Given the choice, would people go for Alu with 105 components;alu with ultegra; or carbon with 105? Prices @ 1000, 1400 & 1500. The first 2 are orbea aqua, and the last is orbea onyx. Can I expect to gain more by having higher spec bits or the carbon frame?
Thanks for any input.
Andy

Comments

  • turnerjohn
    turnerjohn Posts: 1,069
    frame and wheels are the heart of any bike...carbon be my first choice...can always upgrade a good frame as well.
  • cooper.michael1
    cooper.michael1 Posts: 1,787
    I really doubt that you'd notice much between the groupsets, however I would pay for better wheels.

    Had this debate time and over about carbon, just becuase its carbon does not mean its better. The first thing i'd look for is a frame with a fit and geometry to suit the purpose of riding it. i.e are you looking for an all out racer, or more of a sportive bike?
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    CAAD9
  • turnerjohn
    turnerjohn Posts: 1,069
    NapoleonD wrote:
    CAAD9

    Guessed youd say that Nap !
  • Westerberg
    Westerberg Posts: 652
    what is it about the CAAD 9?? On what basis is it so lauded on these forums? Personal experience? Reviews? links!?!?
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    I'm quite partial to Scandium. Owned my Prorace for over four years now and still happy with it.
  • furiousd
    furiousd Posts: 214
    I looked at the Onix on Saturday and really liked. The bottom of that range the TTG for £1279, this was the first carbon bike i had ever ridden and i really liked it. The Geo was excellent for me. just need to decide if it is worth the extra money over the Cube Attempt.

    off topic question. Is it easy to change for a 9 speed to a 10 speed cassette? Anythings else that needs doing?
    Cheers
    D
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    9 and 10 speed cassettes are a straight swap.
  • gabriel959
    gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    of those i would go for the onyx but if i were you i woul try and haggle a bit as thats the rrp. They are great quality frames those ones, got a 9 in the cycling plus review test on march issue. They have also got a fantastic lifetime warranty too!
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • Barrie_G
    Barrie_G Posts: 479
    NapoleonD wrote:
    CAAD9

    Not a CAAD9, but I've recently came into posession of a CAAD 8 and really enjoy the bike, I prefer it to my enigma etape, so much so that the etape may not be around for much longer, if the CAAD 8 is this good I'd like to have a go on the CAAD 9 8)
  • Daimler
    Daimler Posts: 215
    As said, build a base around a good frame.
    However, as also said, there are some very good alloy framed bikes that are equal or better than certain carbon models.

    I have just ordered a CAAD9 too but through the Cycle to work scheme and I was limited to Wheelies.co.uk for my choices.
    I did consider the Genesis Equilibrium but thought the CAAD9 would edge it on perforamce and as they clearly say in the write up....the CAAD9 is eminently upgradable.
    Not many alloy 1300g frames out there, thats for sure.

    When I come back from my holibobs I'm getting new wheels for the Tarmac and putting my American Classics onto the CAAD9 with a Dura Ace 9 speed cassette with Conti Attack/Force tyres and Vittoria butyl inner tubes. That'll save me 2lb in weight straight off. 8) Means a 17.5 lb alloy framed bike. 8)
    Planet X RT-57 custom build
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Westerberg wrote:
    what is it about the CAAD 9?? On what basis is it so lauded on these forums? Personal experience? Reviews? links!?!?

    What basis........???
    Some people bought them and are happy with them. What else would it be???
    Top of the line stuff. What's not to like???
    Personal experience????
    See above.
    Reviews???
    I've seen more than a few, and I don't subscribe to any bike mags. Of course they were all GOOD reviews. As is the case with most media reviews.
  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    andydad wrote:
    Given the choice, would people go for Alu with 105 components;alu with ultegra; or carbon with 105? Prices @ 1000, 1400 & 1500. The first 2 are orbea aqua, and the last is orbea onyx. Can I expect to gain more by having higher spec bits or the carbon frame?
    Thanks for any input.
    Andy

    I have to ask. Have you taken any of these for a ride? Best to take a spin if possible and you may find you hate certain ones and love others. What is magic to another person may be a dud to you.

Categories