Can carbon swingarms be trusted?

csydbx
csydbx Posts: 9
edited July 2010 in MTB buying advice
Hi all,
I'm looking for a new bike after some git stole my 2009 UK Meta 5. I really liked the bulletproof feeling of the meta, though it was a little heavy on the climbs. As I'm looking to buy another one, I see that the model which I'd be replacing it with has a carbon swingarm, rather than the aluminium one I was used to.

I am worried about the strength/reliability of a carbon swingarm, seeing as I ride a real mixed bag of trails, some occasional freeride-type stuff and a little 4x at the local track. Would a carbon swingarm be up to this? I'm a big lad at 6'2'' and 18 stone and ride hard- (downhill at least!)

I've also been considering the Lapierre zesty 514, but it also has the same issue of a carbon swingarm.... All help appreciated- the credit card is at the ready and I have management approval.

Adam

Comments

  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Done to death. Santa Cruz Syndicate boys are on carbon DH bikes, F1 cars are made largely of carbon, and aircraft increasingly so.

    It'll be fine.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Carbon is fine, meta 5 and zesty probably aren't for you riding though.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    ride_whenever wrote:
    Carbon is fine, meta 5 and zesty probably aren't for you riding though.
    what he said.
  • csydbx
    csydbx Posts: 9
    I'm not set on a replacement meta so I'm open to suggestions. What would you recommemd?

    A,
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    If you want pricey and awesome, the new long travel genius, or the mojoHD.

    You could probably pick up a bargain ransom as well.


    How freeride/4x/DH do you want? The mojo HD would be my pack leader for what you've given as it is an amazingly talented frame.

    Or something like a remedy or pitch/enduro, marin 140mm bikes (whatever they're calling them now), basically either a really light tough 160mm bike or a hard hitting 140mm bike.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • csydbx
    csydbx Posts: 9
    I'd say I really want a hard hitting 140mm bike. I've also considered an Orange 5, but I haven't ridden one yet. Budget is £2800 max.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Santa Cruz Heckler perhaps?

    Not carbon, but bloody nice.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • baba123
    baba123 Posts: 235
    the new nickel frame from santacruz and build it up with a 140mm fork on it
    mongoose amasa elite 08
    giant anthem x4 10
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    Definbitely worth checking out the marin Attack trail (or last year's wolf ridge) range, if you'e after a hard as nails full suss frame, that can still be ridden all day.

    It isn't to everyone's taste, but I highly reccomend a test ride.

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