Carbon (Trifox X16) vs. Aluminum Frame - My Experience
bikesnthings
Posts: 8
in Road general
Hello everyone, I’m sure this topic has been discussed many times before but I thought I’d join in, maybe provide a different perspective. I recently upgraded to a carbon bike (Trifox X16) after riding an aluminum bike for a while and I wanted to give my thoughts about the switch and maybe help those who are debating switching.
One of the advantages of carbon touted are the supposed weight benefits, and I’ve noticed that myself. With a standard weight carbon frame (around 1300G frame and fork) and some standard weight carbon wheels along with a Shimano 105 groupset my finished weight was around 7.5KG with pedals, pretty light compared to an aluminum equivalent (for example, a Canyon Endurance Aluminum weighs in around 8.2KG, minus pedals). Also, if you want a bike with aero tube profiles the weight difference will be more pronounced since more material needs to be used.
Another one of the advantages is the stiffness. I do notice this one, but less noticeable than something that can be measured by a scale. When I put down power, like climbing a hill, it feels like the bike is more responsive than its aluminum counterpart. The stronger you are the more you’ll notice this difference. Related to stiffness is the comfort; often carbon frames are said to be more comfortable than their aluminum counterparts. I didn’t notice that much of a comfort difference; when going over rough road surfaces I felt the bumps and road vibration the same.
I’ll move on to a disadvantage, fragility and crash resistance. In my opinion, if you’re a beginner rider or someone who’s at risk of crashing, I wouldn’t go for a carbon frame. Just feeling the frame, it’s pretty fragile compared to an aluminum alternative and looking at images of bikes after crashes that carries over. The carbon that makes up my frame is much thinner than the aluminum of another frame (part of where the weight difference comes from) and therefore more brittle (carbon as a material is also brittle) so if you crash the frame doesn’t deform or take the flow; it’ll snap.
In conclusion, based on what I’ve noticed switching from a carbon frame, if you enjoy weight savings, want a more responsive frame and feel you aren’t crash-prone, I think a carbon frame is a worthy upgrade. I’ve enjoyed riding mine. If you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment!
One of the advantages of carbon touted are the supposed weight benefits, and I’ve noticed that myself. With a standard weight carbon frame (around 1300G frame and fork) and some standard weight carbon wheels along with a Shimano 105 groupset my finished weight was around 7.5KG with pedals, pretty light compared to an aluminum equivalent (for example, a Canyon Endurance Aluminum weighs in around 8.2KG, minus pedals). Also, if you want a bike with aero tube profiles the weight difference will be more pronounced since more material needs to be used.
Another one of the advantages is the stiffness. I do notice this one, but less noticeable than something that can be measured by a scale. When I put down power, like climbing a hill, it feels like the bike is more responsive than its aluminum counterpart. The stronger you are the more you’ll notice this difference. Related to stiffness is the comfort; often carbon frames are said to be more comfortable than their aluminum counterparts. I didn’t notice that much of a comfort difference; when going over rough road surfaces I felt the bumps and road vibration the same.
I’ll move on to a disadvantage, fragility and crash resistance. In my opinion, if you’re a beginner rider or someone who’s at risk of crashing, I wouldn’t go for a carbon frame. Just feeling the frame, it’s pretty fragile compared to an aluminum alternative and looking at images of bikes after crashes that carries over. The carbon that makes up my frame is much thinner than the aluminum of another frame (part of where the weight difference comes from) and therefore more brittle (carbon as a material is also brittle) so if you crash the frame doesn’t deform or take the flow; it’ll snap.
In conclusion, based on what I’ve noticed switching from a carbon frame, if you enjoy weight savings, want a more responsive frame and feel you aren’t crash-prone, I think a carbon frame is a worthy upgrade. I’ve enjoyed riding mine. If you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment!
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Comments
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This old chestnut again.
Fragility? Have a look on YouTube, you might change your mind
One example.
https://youtu.be/w5eMMf11uhM 0
