Carbon frames.....

julesreece17
julesreece17 Posts: 70
edited October 2012 in MTB general
Hi all,

an unexpected trip to sunsetmtb today very nearly ended up in my buying a zesty 514. Its a carbonfibre frame, and a stunning looking bike, but i backed out as i wasnt 100%, and sepnding just over 2k on a whim didnt seem like the best idea lol

But they more i think of it, the more i want it. I've never had or ridden a carbonfibre frame before though, anything i should know about them? Im currently 17st, and only 5'10 so rather on the fat side of life, but i got down to 15st before and am heading in that direction again. Do i need to worry about my weight on a carbonfibre frame? is it gonna snap? lol

Any info would be appriciated.

Jules.

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Material is irrelevant really - if it is designed for the job, then it will work well. I'd cover up areas that are prone to rub and stone chips with helitape, then just ride the sucker. Carbon is arguably tougher than any of the metals when done right. And lighter.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • julesreece17
    julesreece17 Posts: 70
    cheers pal. think im gonna use it as a reward for weight loss. loss a stone or two and treat myself with a new bike!just need to justify the huge outlay to the wife first lol
  • dusk
    dusk Posts: 583
    just watch the Santa Cruz testing comparison between their carbon and aluminium frames and then see if you still question carbon
    YT Wicked 160 ltd
    Cotic BFe
    DMR Trailstar
    Canyon Roadlite
  • cycle monster
    cycle monster Posts: 448
    Julesreece17 wrote:
    cheers pal. think im gonna use it as a reward for weight loss. loss a stone or two and treat myself with a new bike!just need to justify the huge outlay to the wife first lol
    This is genius. I plan to pile on the four stones lost, shed them De Niro style and invest in a fleet that would put the
    Atherton's stable to shame. Joined up thinking at its best.
  • Levi_501
    Levi_501 Posts: 1,105
    dusk wrote:
    just watch the Santa Cruz testing comparison between their carbon and aluminium frames and then see if you still question carbon


    That is quite interesting actually, I am very surprised!
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    My carbon 456 is as tough as old boots. May actually be made from old boots, to be fair. It's taken a few knocks that were big enough that I wouldn't complain if it'd broken (and which might have knackered a metal frame).

    Course, there are delicate carbon frames- some people seem to buy super light frames and expect them to act exactly like normal frames.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    Levi_501 wrote:
    dusk wrote:
    just watch the Santa Cruz testing comparison between their carbon and aluminium frames and then see if you still question carbon


    That is quite interesting actually, I am very surprised!

    If you made a frame from rubber, it would be indestructible (or near enough)... doesn't make it good. Not to say carbon frames aren't good, just that you should be cautious when believing such hyperbole.
    A Flock of Birds
    + some other bikes.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The figures are greater for compressive loads, and the frame stiffer and lighter. What is not to like? (bar the price?).
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    benpinnick wrote:
    If you made a frame from rubber, it would be indestructible (or near enough)... doesn't make it good. Not to say carbon frames aren't good, just that you should be cautious when believing such hyperbole.

    The point of the video isn't to say "These are good because they're so strong"- it's just to tackle the myth that carbon's delicate.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • julesreece17
    julesreece17 Posts: 70
    Northwind wrote:
    benpinnick wrote:
    If you made a frame from rubber, it would be indestructible (or near enough)... doesn't make it good. Not to say carbon frames aren't good, just that you should be cautious when believing such hyperbole.

    The point of the video isn't to say "These are good because they're so strong"- it's just to tackle the myth that carbon's delicate.
    Where is this vidoe? Any links?
  • oodboo
    oodboo Posts: 2,171
    Julesreece17 wrote:
    Northwind wrote:
    benpinnick wrote:
    If you made a frame from rubber, it would be indestructible (or near enough)... doesn't make it good. Not to say carbon frames aren't good, just that you should be cautious when believing such hyperbole.

    The point of the video isn't to say "These are good because they're so strong"- it's just to tackle the myth that carbon's delicate.
    Where is this vidoe? Any links?
    http://www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz ... t-lab.html
    I love horses, best of all the animals. I love horses, they're my friends.

    Strava
  • julesreece17
    julesreece17 Posts: 70
    cheers fella. Yip, gotta admit, thats pretty impressive! lol
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    You can also repair carbon fibre eg boat masts, canoes and kayaks and F1 cars can be repaired same goes for bikes.

    Not sure what the costs are but I imagine it won't be as cheap as 20 bucks though.
  • Clank
    Clank Posts: 2,323
    jairaj wrote:
    You can also repair carbon fibre eg boat masts, canoes and kayaks and F1 cars can be repaired same goes for bikes.

    Not sure what the costs are but I imagine it won't be as cheap as 20 bucks though.

    Boeing have a repair strategy for wing spars of the Dreamliner - those are carbon fibre too. Lamborghini used this stragegy as the basis for their repair process on the Aventador. If done right, Carbon is probably more repairable than aluminium.
    How would I write my own epitaph? With a crayon - I'm not allowed anything I can sharpen to a sustainable point.

    Disclaimer: Opinions expressed herein are worth exactly what you paid for them.
  • DodgeT
    DodgeT Posts: 2,255
    http://www.carboncyclerepairs.co.uk/index.html could be a good place to start if you ever break one.
  • VWsurfbum
    VWsurfbum Posts: 7,881
    DodgeT wrote:
    http://www.carboncyclerepairs.co.uk/index.html could be a good place to start if you ever break one.
    thanks for that link, may use them in the future.
    Kazza the Tranny
    Now for sale Fatty
  • itguy2
    itguy2 Posts: 88
    Well, if you haven't bought the zesty yet I'd go and get one NOW.

    Ive had my 514 since the end of July and it really is a great bike. Flys up hills like a mountain goat and then is beautifully balanced on the way down after - I totally love mine.
    Lapierre Zesty 514 &
    Orange Crush 2010
  • julesreece17
    julesreece17 Posts: 70
    Well, i went online to order the Zesty 514 from sunset, cracking offer on there, and sold out...............

    So, i just collecting the 2013 version from tredz this morning!!!!!! Think i'll go for a gentle little ride on it in a little bit....

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