1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.
2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.
3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.
Hi guys,
If weight is not a relatively major concern (I am not racing) what would be the advantage of carbon fiber frame over other lightweight frames (Ti & Al)...
Does carbon fiber bikes resits to accidents? in other terms, I am afraid to invest on a carbon fiber frame and end up by throwing it... in this respect I believe that Al frame is more reliable / repairable. plz advise.
Hi guys,
If weight is not a relatively major concern (I am not racing) what would be the advantage of carbon fiber frame over other lightweight frames (Ti & Al)...
Does carbon fiber bikes resits to accidents? in other terms, I am afraid to invest on a carbon fiber frame and end up by throwing it... in this respect I believe that Al frame is more reliable / repairable. plz advise.
IMO, a lot any advantage comes down to quality of the frame. Santa Cruz shows a video of them slamming a carbon Nomad frame into a concrete corner with little damage, but a buddy of mine destroyed a cheap, generic eBay-special carbon frame on a 1' drop.
Given a good level of quality, I think the main differences you'll find are:
1. Carbon's stiffer where it counts, but gives bit where you need compliance
2. Aluminum is going to beat you up more than carbon or ti
3. Ti's going to have a great ride, but can be less stiff that carbon
If I had a choice between them and wanted an all-around bike I could hammer for an hour or ride all day, I'd go with good ti.
Originally Posted by Nakkoush
Does carbon fiber bikes resits to accidents?
Had a crash in August that put me in the hospital for six days. All I had to fix on my bike (carbon Santa Cruz Tallboy) was straightening the handlebar back out.
Can such a repair (carbon fiber fracture, not talking about the sandpapering and spraying) be achieved in the house?
Maybe, but you will need the right tools and the knowledge to do it,, so very likely no. Just like you could repair Titanium, Steel or Aluminum in your garage, if you had the knowledge, skill, and tools to do so.
To your statement of aluminum being more reparable, the answer is a Nope. You can "band-aid" an aluminum frame by re-welding it, but it will only be at around 30% of its original strength, unless you get the frame re-heat treated. Aluminum and scandium both require heat treatment post-weld to cause the crystalline structure of the metal to re-align for strength. Without this heat treatment the frame is substantially weaker. Titanium and Steel do not require this additional post weld step.
I've owed Steel Al ,Ti and Carbon bikes. I 've broken Steel ,Al ,and TI. The Steel was replaced ,the Al was replaced ,the Ti was repaired. Havn't broke the Carbon yet ,only had it for a year and half.
Hi guys,
If weight is not a relatively major concern (I am not racing) what would be the advantage of carbon fiber frame over other lightweight frames (Ti & Al)...
Does carbon fiber bikes resits to accidents? in other terms, I am afraid to invest on a carbon fiber frame and end up by throwing it... in this respect I believe that Al frame is more reliable / repairable. plz advise.
Nowadays, it's not really what anymore is how they made it. Who is important too more experience builder can really make your bike ride like the way you want.
Just my own opinion, but I will say you need to drink a lot of cheap "beer" before you can really appreciate really well age "wine".
Just get a decent bike for now and learn what you like and then when you achieve a more deserning taste by whatever your desire, you will enjoy it a lot more than way..
Just my own opinion, but I will say you need to drink a lot of cheap "beer" before you can really appreciate really well age "wine".
Just get a decent bike for now and learn what you like and then when you achieve a more deserning taste by whatever your desire, you will enjoy it a lot more than way..
I like that, not necessary agree but in my own way I'd take a heavier bike out over the lighter ones because I might appreciate the light bike when I take it out. Does not usually work but I still do it.
Aluminum is the cheapest material, After that, Titanium and Carbon are a tossup. Both can be as expensive as the other, but the big difference is that titanium flexes (part of what makes it somewhat desirable). A titanium frame that is trying to skimp on weight may very well have the flexiest pedaling experience you will ever have.
Steel is definitely a choice you left out. In competent hands, the only serious difference between the materials (alu, steel, titanium, and carbon) is the size of the frame tubing and a sleight weight advantage. Each has a unique ride quality, as well, but generally speaking, aluminum translates vibration well, while the other materials are more mellow.
Carbon is only as good as the resin holding it together...and by that I mean, you would want to be a bit more careful when transporting a carbon frame, as scratches will, over time, degrade the integrity of the frame. It is a strong, rigid material, though. Also, the post with the S-Works patch job is just that, a patch. Show me the strength-test numbers on a patched frame, and I'll believe that the frame's as good as new. Darn impressive, though...almost looks like a brand-new frame!
CroMo, carbon, titanium, and alum are all fine. Dollar for dollar a well made 6061, 7005, 7050 alum frame is the way to go imo if not racing. Vibration worries are for rodies.
This type of question probably does not belong in the Beginners Corner forum. Although the advice given here may be accurate, I would pose this question...
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Originally Posted by Nakkoush
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