Carbon Framed Bike? Please answer some questions.

Soni

Hi guys, i'm trying to establish whether i should get a carbon framed bike due to my weight (17st 2lbs) and would be grateful if you could answer the following questions?

1. What is your weight?
2. How old is your bike?
3. Have you had any issues with the bike?
4. Does it still ride like it did when you first purchased?
5. Do you have Cycle Insurance to cover the frame if you were to crash or accidentally damage it?

Thanks

Soni

cougie

Your weight wont be an issue on a carbon bike. They make wings out of CF for passenger planes - and thats fine.

The only thing that you need think about with carbon is - do you fall off a lot ? Do you bang the bike with things ? If you dont - and not many of us do - then carbon is great.

My frame is about 5 yrs old and rides just as well as it did when it was new. No issues with it at all.

Get a ride on one and see what you think

batch78

88kgs
About a year
The wheels!
Yes

Some manufacturers have weight limits, they're usually specified though without too much searching, the main problem with weight considerations are wheels and contact points.

Soni

cougie wrote:

Your weight wont be an issue on a carbon bike. They make wings out of CF for passenger planes - and thats fine.

The only thing that you need think about with carbon is - do you fall off a lot ? Do you bang the bike with things ? If you dont - and not many of us do - then carbon is great.

My frame is about 5 yrs old and rides just as well as it did when it was new. No issues with it at all.

Get a ride on one and see what you think

Hi Cougie, so your frame hasn't fatigued during the 5 years? I've heard people state that carbon frames end up like 'noodles' after a few years?

Also, regarding crashing or banging it (accidental damage) would this type of thing be included in Cycle Insurance?

Soni

batch78 wrote:

88kgs
About a year
The wheels!
Yes

Some manufacturers have weight limits, they're usually specified though without too much searching, the main problem with weight considerations are wheels and contact points.

Hi Batch, i've taken a look at a few and my weight falls within their stated limits, however i'm just concerned regarding premature fatigue....

on-yer-bike

Soni wrote:

Hi Cougie, so your frame hasn't fatigued during the 5 years? I've heard people state that carbon frames end up like 'noodles' after a few years?

Steel frames go soft but I can't see how carbon can change unless its banged.

fastercyclist

1. 155 lbs
2. 6 months
3. No - have with wheels though.
4. Yes
5. No

Bike is a P X

softlad

on-yer-bike wrote:

Steel frames go soft but I can't see how carbon can change unless its banged.

can you explain how steel frames go 'soft'..??

Having owned a 653 steel frame for the best part of 17 years - and having restored plenty of steel-framed, 30-40 year old motorcycles over the last few years, that's a new one on me...

Barrie_G

on-yer-bike wrote:

Steel frames go soft but I can't see how carbon can change unless its banged.

Carbon can soften up quite considerably, though this is most noticable in carbon that has been laid up to flex, i.e. fishing rods and is probably less so in bike frames which have been manufactured for stiffness.

Soni

There seems to be so so much conflicting information on Carbon frames, this is where i read about the CF feeling like wet noodles:-

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/ ... -carbon/3/

What frame do you think would last a 17st 2lbs rider the longest, carbon or Aluminium?

Anonymous

If looked after all frames will be fine.

If it fits right all frames will be fine.

Choose the one you like best!

HonestAl

Soni, I can only echo what everyone else says - it'll be fine so long as you don't crash it (and even then it might be fine) - but beware of a great stream of bollox - oops - postings that'll should along soon which'll tell you that composite frames soften in the rain, are sensitive to UV light, go waxy on warm days, flex more during Ramadan, etc etc etc...

MrChuck

Soni wrote:

There seems to be so so much conflicting information on Carbon frames, this is where i read about the CF feeling like wet noodles:-

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/ ... -carbon/3/

What frame do you think would last a 17st 2lbs rider the longest, carbon or Aluminium?

That's an interesting article but I think the author has some sort of steel-is-real axe to grind. I've had a carbon frame for a few years now. It's just as stiff as it was when I bought it, and I've no reason to think it won't stay that way for the forseeable future. I'm not sure it'll still be on the road in 20 years but, really, so what? It might get damaged in a crash, but then so might a frame of any other material.

But just for some perspective, when I got my bike a friend got an aluminium Cannondale of virtually identical spec around the same time, and I can't honestly say that there's much to choose between them in weight or stiffness- as far as I can tell anyway.

So while carbon is nice, if you find one you like better that's not carbon then I'd say don't get too hung up on frame materials- how good it feels and how much you like it are more important!

cougie

I really cant see how carbon can go noodly. Clubmate of mine has one of the Giant Cadex CF bikes from when they first came out - thats back in the 90s - his is fine.

I started out when custom steel was where it was at - they dont last forever.

My dream frame corroded through on the chainstay - I'd had it chromed (bad idea - but v v pretty) and it just rusted away in the course of 5 years or so ? And it was my good weather bike and I really looked after it. I had the chainstay replaced and a new paint job on it and it was fine. Then i had another respray and the sprayer left a rag in the seat tube. I didnt see it and it stayed in there and collected water and the seat tube rusted through from the inside. Wasnt really viable to repair that one - so I bought a new frame.

I'm 88 kilos by the way.

What I'd not do is lash out a few grand on a frame. Unless you're a pro (and even then...) us mere mortals wont notice a significant difference.

Spend a grand on the Boardman or the Planet X CF bikes and you're laughing.

STEFANOS4784

SONI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


You know exactly what's going to happen on a forum


Buy the carbon bike and enjoy many years of happy riding 8)


PS, just don't leave it out in the rain

Soni

NapoleonD wrote:

If looked after all frames will be fine.

If it fits right all frames will be fine.

Choose the one you like best!

I reallly really really really like the Synapse but worried to death about crashing it!

As i know i wouldn't be able to afford another one that quick - although i would definetely insure it if i was to get it which hopefully would pay out if i crashed it or accidentally damaged it..

Soni

HonestAl wrote:

Soni, I can only echo what everyone else says - it'll be fine so long as you don't crash it (and even then it might be fine) - but beware of a great stream of bollox - oops - postings that'll should along soon which'll tell you that composite frames soften in the rain, are sensitive to UV light, go waxy on warm days, flex more during Ramadan, etc etc etc...

Nice one that cracked me up

Soni

MrChuck wrote:

Soni wrote:

There seems to be so so much conflicting information on Carbon frames, this is where i read about the CF feeling like wet noodles:-

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/ ... -carbon/3/

What frame do you think would last a 17st 2lbs rider the longest, carbon or Aluminium?

That's an interesting article but I think the author has some sort of steel-is-real axe to grind. I've had a carbon frame for a few years now. It's just as stiff as it was when I bought it, and I've no reason to think it won't stay that way for the forseeable future. I'm not sure it'll still be on the road in 20 years but, really, so what? It might get damaged in a crash, but then so might a frame of any other material.

But just for some perspective, when I got my bike a friend got an aluminium Cannondale of virtually identical spec around the same time, and I can't honestly say that there's much to choose between them in weight or stiffness- as far as I can tell anyway.

So while carbon is nice, if you find one you like better that's not carbon then I'd say don't get too hung up on frame materials- how good it feels and how much you like it are more important!

I was thinking of the Aluminium CAAD9 ultegra but apparently its a little harsh and more of an aggressive ride which i don't think would suit my body shape, definetely not your average road racing shape...

Soni

cougie wrote:

I really cant see how carbon can go noodly. Clubmate of mine has one of the Giant Cadex CF bikes from when they first came out - thats back in the 90s - his is fine.

I started out when custom steel was where it was at - they dont last forever.

My dream frame corroded through on the chainstay - I'd had it chromed (bad idea - but v v pretty) and it just rusted away in the course of 5 years or so ? And it was my good weather bike and I really looked after it. I had the chainstay replaced and a new paint job on it and it was fine. Then i had another respray and the sprayer left a rag in the seat tube. I didnt see it and it stayed in there and collected water and the seat tube rusted through from the inside. Wasnt really viable to repair that one - so I bought a new frame.

I'm 88 kilos by the way.

What I'd not do is lash out a few grand on a frame. Unless you're a pro (and even then...) us mere mortals wont notice a significant difference.

Spend a grand on the Boardman or the Planet X CF bikes and you're laughing.

Your post has put some confidence in me regarding Carbon, with your clubmate still having his carbon bike from the 90's!

giant_man

Carbon fibre doesn't 'fatigue'. As long as you look after it, like any frame, it will be fine. My carbon frame is now 7 years old and still as good as the day I bought it.

balthazar

on-yer-bike wrote:

Soni wrote:

Hi Cougie, so your frame hasn't fatigued during the 5 years? I've heard people state that carbon frames end up like 'noodles' after a few years?

Steel frames go soft but I can't see how carbon can change unless its banged.

That myth is so hoary, it's hairy with hoar. There's an article about that "steel going soft" silliness here:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/frame-soft.html

I see the myth jumped onto CFRP for some more life. No matter, I'm sure the same applies. Carbon bike frames are perfectly fine, potentially very durable, and may be very long-lived (maybe not as long-lived as that myth..)

Soni

OK guys, went into Evans Cycles today and spoke to a really hardcore roadie....

He said as 'i'm' a heavy rider 'he' wouldn't 'personally' recommend a Cannondale frame to 'me', as he has witnessed a few Cannondale Carbon fibre frames being returned due to breaking.....they may be ok for most people, but he wouldn't recommend them to a heavy rider.....

He said he would recommend me a Trek Madone....4 series.....which is the same price as the Cannondales.....

Whilst i was there i spotted the Specialised Tarmac, what a beautiful looking bike it was......this is the bike that i've always told myself i don't personally like that curved top tube, but i fell in love with the look of the bike and even arranged to have a test ride whilst i was there, it rode really nicely too....

So, i'm still in a bit of a decision making scenario at the moment...

They had one steel bike there, a Genesis, looked a little old and not to my taste, but it had 105 and was in my size and up for £999.99, he said steel will give a much better ride than Carbon Fibre or Aluminium.....

Anonymous

Soni wrote:

OK guys, went into Evans Cycles today and spoke to a really hardcore roadie....

He said as 'i'm' a heavy rider 'he' wouldn't 'personally' recommend a Cannondale frame to 'me', as he has witnessed a few Cannondale Carbon fibre frames being returned due to breaking.....they may be ok for most people, but he wouldn't recommend them to a heavy rider.....

He said he would recommend me a Trek Madone....4 series.....which is the same price as the Cannondales.....

Whilst i was there i spotted the Specialised Tarmac, what a beautiful looking bike it was......this is the bike that i've always told myself i don't personally like that curved top tube, but i fell in love with the look of the bike and even arranged to have a test ride whilst i was there, it rode really nicely too....

So, i'm still in a bit of a decision making scenario at the moment...

They had one steel bike there, a Genesis, looked a little old and not to my taste, but it had 105 and was in my size and up for £999.99, he said steel will give a much better ride than Carbon Fibre or Aluminium.....

WTF??

He's talking BS...

Steel doesn't give a much better ride than CF or Aluminium. Just slightly different. Not as stiff.

Soni

NapoleonD wrote:

Soni wrote:

OK guys, went into Evans Cycles today and spoke to a really hardcore roadie....

He said as 'i'm' a heavy rider 'he' wouldn't 'personally' recommend a Cannondale frame to 'me', as he has witnessed a few Cannondale Carbon fibre frames being returned due to breaking.....they may be ok for most people, but he wouldn't recommend them to a heavy rider.....

He said he would recommend me a Trek Madone....4 series.....which is the same price as the Cannondales.....

Whilst i was there i spotted the Specialised Tarmac, what a beautiful looking bike it was......this is the bike that i've always told myself i don't personally like that curved top tube, but i fell in love with the look of the bike and even arranged to have a test ride whilst i was there, it rode really nicely too....

So, i'm still in a bit of a decision making scenario at the moment...

They had one steel bike there, a Genesis, looked a little old and not to my taste, but it had 105 and was in my size and up for £999.99, he said steel will give a much better ride than Carbon Fibre or Aluminium.....

WTF??

He's talking BS...

Steel doesn't give a much better ride than CF or Aluminium. Just slightly different. Not as stiff.

Might be my fault in translation, i think he said more 'comfortable' ride...

Soni

You know what? I must be getting old because i'm considering this:-

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gen ... e-ec022162

OVER THIS

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec020006

:shock: :shock: :shock:

giant_man

The best thing you could do is to stay away from Evans.

They haven't got a clue what they're talking about. They'll tell you anything to get you to buy what conveniently have in stock. Absolute rubbish about cannondale frames.

softlad

Soni wrote:

You know what? I must be getting old because i'm considering this:-

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gen ... e-ec022162

OVER THIS

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec020006

:shock: :shock: :shock:

I would just stick to the bike you already have....

Soni

softlad wrote:

Soni wrote:

You know what? I must be getting old because i'm considering this:-

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gen ... e-ec022162

OVER THIS

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec020006

:shock: :shock: :shock:

I would just stick to the bike you already have....

I've sold it!

Soni

giant mancp wrote:

The best thing you could do is to stay away from Evans.

They haven't got a clue what they're talking about. They'll tell you anything to get you to buy what conveniently have in stock. Absolute rubbish about cannondale frames.

Don't have a choice as doing the Cycle to Work thing and our company use Evans.....

MrChuck

Soni wrote:

NapoleonD wrote:

Soni wrote:

OK guys, went into Evans Cycles today and spoke to a really hardcore roadie....

He said as 'i'm' a heavy rider 'he' wouldn't 'personally' recommend a Cannondale frame to 'me', as he has witnessed a few Cannondale Carbon fibre frames being returned due to breaking.....they may be ok for most people, but he wouldn't recommend them to a heavy rider.....

He said he would recommend me a Trek Madone....4 series.....which is the same price as the Cannondales.....

Whilst i was there i spotted the Specialised Tarmac, what a beautiful looking bike it was......this is the bike that i've always told myself i don't personally like that curved top tube, but i fell in love with the look of the bike and even arranged to have a test ride whilst i was there, it rode really nicely too....

So, i'm still in a bit of a decision making scenario at the moment...

They had one steel bike there, a Genesis, looked a little old and not to my taste, but it had 105 and was in my size and up for £999.99, he said steel will give a much better ride than Carbon Fibre or Aluminium.....

WTF??

He's talking BS...

Steel doesn't give a much better ride than CF or Aluminium. Just slightly different. Not as stiff.

Might be my fault in translation, i think he said more 'comfortable' ride...

To be fair he might be on to something with that Genesis:
http://road.cc/content/review/15437-genesis-equilibrium

But ND is right in that just saying steel bikes are more comfortable than carbon just because they're steel is rubbish.

As others have said, try a few and get the one you like the most whatever it's made of.

on-yer-bike

softlad wrote:

on-yer-bike wrote:

Steel frames go soft but I can't see how carbon can change unless its banged.

can you explain how steel frames go 'soft'..??

Having owned a 653 steel frame for the best part of 17 years - and having restored plenty of steel-framed, 30-40 year old motorcycles over the last few years, that's a new one on me...

An exracer of steel frames and frame builder told me. I have heard it elsewhere too but can't remember. I guess it's metal fatigue.