Carbon or Alloy frame for a tall guy?

Dave_197

Hi,

I appreciate this must've been asked a thousand times before but I could do with some advise.

I'm currently in the market for a new road bike (I'm making a switch from mtb). I'm 6'5" and weigh around 15 stone. My budget is £800-£1000.

What frame material (due to my height and size) should I go for?

Thanks

carrock

Not sure that height and size are factors in frame choice- certainly carbon alloy and steel are all strong enough to support far in excess of 15 stone.

You might find that carbon soaks up the road buzz a bit better than alloy

At £800-£1000 you need to look secondhand, or new from Ribble/Planet X / Merlin if you want a carbon frame

calmx5

As above height and size are not really factors in frame choice, but to get a good bike for your money look what you feel benefits you the most - a lighter carbon frame and lesser groupset and wheels, or a slightly heavier frame (not that much heavier mind) and probably better wheels and groupset.
I reckon for a first road bike you should look to an alloy frame, and nearly all manufacturers do one within your budget so there should be plenty of choices.
Then compare specs, and look for the lightest wheels and best groupset - look towards Shimano 105 (maybe even Ultegra in the sales) or Sram Rival.
A few for you to think about -

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-2g-poggio-p20-shimano-105/
http://tinyurl.com/9r363nz
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_team.html
http://tinyurl.com/9csbzgr
http://tinyurl.com/planetxcarbon

Dave_197

Thanks for the replies.

I was looking at either a '12 Felt F5 105 or cheaper '12 Felt F75 but I would be looking at a 61cm frame. I'd quite happy get a carbon frame and upgrade it during the winter.