Need help on deciding carbon or not

siprim
siprim Posts: 2
edited October 2013 in MTB buying advice
Hello. My name is David and im from a small coutry in Europe called Slovenija.

Im buying a new bike and its going to be a Lapierre Zesty 2014

http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/mtb-all ... sty-am-527

The big question: carbon or alloy?

AM 427 alloy 2200€
AM 527 carbon 2600€

Riding style:
Uphill, downhill, long distance tours 50-100 km. Al terrain at moderate speed. I play it safe when i need to, becouse i dont wanna crash.

I dont know why i dont dont seem to trust carbon.A couple years ago people told me that a carbon frame wont last 10 years.Nowadays i see more and more companies making carbon frames, and more and more people riding them, and everibody seems to love them. I would like to hear advice from people that have/ had carbon frames.
How fragile is carbon?
How is it with rocks flying into the frame?
Will it last me for 10-15 years or more?
Is a carbon bike only for those who can buy a new one every 2 years?
2600€ is a lot of money for me, and i will probably have to borrow some, but if im buying a bike it might as well be a decent one i guess.
I have untill 10.10.2013 to make up my mind.Then the presale ends and the price will go up.
Thank you all for you comments and advice.
Have a nice day! :)

David

Comments

  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    The aluminium Zesty's are prone to breaking. The carbon ones are a bit stronger.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    As above, alloy Lapierre bikes are know for not being the strongest, carbon would be my choice.
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • balmybaldwin
    balmybaldwin Posts: 127
    I have a Carbon Lapierre X-flow that has taken a hell of a beating over the last year, including rocky alpine trips, a full on winter of muddy grit in the UK, and I've had no problem at all with the frame (I've had some issues with bearing seizing, but I think that was mainly muc-off induced). in terms of rock strikes I've had quite a few, and no damage as yet, however for my alps trip I invested in a "Rockguardz.com" guard that took some really big strikes with no damage to it or the frame behind it.

    Overall very pleased I went Carbon
    Bikes:
    Cannondale Killer V 1995 (Promo model) - My first Race bike now converted to a commuter
    Lapierre X-Flow 712 - XC fs rocket
    Pivot Mach 6 - Enduro Machine
    Pinarello FP2 - Roadie
  • tenfoot
    tenfoot Posts: 226
    On the other hand, I have a 2 year old alloy Zesty, and have had no problem. It's been off 2 & 3 foot drop offs and used in rocky areas with no issues.

    Shortly getting a carbon framed bike, so I've been a bit nervous too.

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