alu frames vesus carbon for confort

jackthelad
jackthelad Posts: 89
edited July 2010 in Road beginners
Guys new to road cycling so was wondering if aluminium frames with carbon forks are as confortable to ride as full carbon bikes.

any help appreciated

jackthelad

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Depends on the fit/geometry, quality, tyres/pressure etc...

    I would much rather ride a good aluminium frame than a poor CF one...
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    What might be 'comfortable' for a heavier rider might be purgatory to a lightweight rider too - there's so many variables. Generally, basic aluminium alloy frames are made out of 7000 series alloys whereas more expensive frames are typically constructed from 6000 series alloys which undergo a 'tempering' heat-treatment phase post-welding which improves the material strength propoerties and consequently they are generally lighter and because of the thinner gauge tube construction can be more forgiving too. Certain frame designs and materials are more forgiving than others.
    Similar arguments also apply to carbon, but there's also a broader range of variables in terms of quality, materials, construction and design....until you get down to the specifics of certain models, its almost impossible to give definitve answers
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • cooper.michael1
    cooper.michael1 Posts: 1,787
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Depends on the fit/geometry, quality, tyres/pressure etc...

    I would much rather ride a good aluminium frame than a poor CF one...

    +1

    Those who quote carbon as more comfortable simply are misinformed, the design of the frame plays a bigger role.