I am curious about the weights of the SJ frames. I can't afford a carbon frame now, but am curious what the ACTUAL weight difference is between the alloy frame, carbon frame with alloy rear triangle and the S-works all carbon frame.
Anyone have actual numbers? I am more interested in 2013's but 2012's might tell a similar story.
My medium 26" carbon SJ Evo was about 10oz (285g) lighter than the medium SJ comp frame. The carbon rear triangle is less than 100g lighter than the aluminum version.
The ride quality is night and day difference though. The carbon frame really dampens vibration and seems to have more "pop" on the trail. I started clearing tables on my carbon frame that I struggle with on the aluminum frame. It also feels a lot more "playful", even though my aluminum SJ was built up very similar to my new carbon build.
I believe the alloy frame retails for $1800 and the Carbon is about $3000. It is a big jump up. I got a killer deal on my frame or I would have stayed with alloy too.
I believe the alloy frame retails for $1800 and the Carbon is about $3000. It is a big jump up. I got a killer deal on my frame or I would have stayed with alloy too.
I assume you got your through a specialized dealer? How do you get decent deals? Isn't Specialized pretty rigid about that stuff? My bike is top spec save for the frame. I have carbon S-works cranks even. If I can afford, eventually I will upgrade...
The ride quality is night and day difference though. The carbon frame really dampens vibration and seems to have more "pop" on the trail. I started clearing tables on my carbon frame that I struggle with on the aluminum frame. It also feels a lot more "playful", even though my aluminum SJ was built up very similar to my new carbon build.
Probably a small difference in suspension setup, especially considering I thought one of the major selling points of carbon is it's supposed to be more rigid, not less.
I thought I heard around a pound once so 400 grams is kinda close to a pound. I imagine the difference will vary depending on frame size. Also, there are carbon frames with alloy rear triangles and carbon rear triangles.
I went from a 08 SJ FSR Comp(alloy) to a 11 SJ FSR Pro(carbon frame/ alloy rear) and the frames were actually just about the same in weight. I was suprised.
Recently I bought a RP23 to replace the Brain set up, and dropped .5 lbs with the switch. so the answer would be the Carbon is about .5 lbs lighter than alloy without the brain in my case.
The Carbon definately rides far nicer than the alloy overall being stiff, responsive, and smooths out chatter. That being said, the 11 frame has a tapered headset which helped, and is 140mm bike vs 120mm.
Either way I was psyched with the upgrade.(Thanks S Warranty)
I went from a 08 SJ FSR Comp(alloy) to a 11 SJ FSR Pro(carbon frame/ alloy rear) and the frames were actually just about the same in weight. I was suprised.
Recently I bought a RP23 to replace the Brain set up, and dropped .5 lbs with the switch. so the answer would be the Carbon is about .5 lbs lighter than alloy without the brain in my case.
The Carbon definately rides far nicer than the alloy overall being stiff, responsive, and smooths out chatter. That being said, the 11 frame has a tapered headset which helped, and is 140mm bike vs 120mm.
Either way I was psyched with the upgrade.(Thanks S Warranty)
I assume your new bike is a 26er? How much does your total bike weigh? Any upgrades?
I highly doubt that. Did you look at the weights I posted? The Demo frame is almost double the weight of the SJ and it is only 12oz savings. Anyone buying carbon for the weight savings at the low end is wasting their money IMO. I would max out all other components first. wheels, brakes, drive-train, suspension, etc
I highly doubt that. Did you look at the weights I posted? The Demo frame is almost double the weight of the SJ and it is only 12oz savings. Anyone buying carbon for the weight savings at the low end is wasting their money IMO. I would max out all other components first. wheels, brakes, drive-train, suspension, etc
i stripped both bikes down and re weighed them. UPDATE There is only a 1 pound difference. Sorry for the confusion
The weight savings from other brands use to be around 300-400 grams, depending if the chain stay is carbon aswell. However, its not the best way to save weight from a $$$ perspective as you said. I would seriosly only buy the carbon frame for the gimmick factor and because im reading to much on bike forums
I assume your new bike is a 26er? How much does your total bike weigh? Any upgrades?
Yes on 26er...
Bike is just under 28 lbs all up.... Lots of upgrades from old bike, and some added when got new frame last year.... DT 240S hub w DT rims, Hope Tech X2 w/ rotors 180/180, full X9, XT cassette, Talas 140 w/ Kashima, Thomson stem/ post, Truvativ AKA bar, Phenom Ti, RP23 w/ boostvalve(replaced brain setup) Tires kinda heavy with WTB Stout 2.3 front and Nevagal 2.35 rear.
Overall build is solid and works great for New England riding from tech granite to flowy stuff. Could drop a lb w/ lighter tires, but not worth the tradeoff in traction and durability.
Like I said I really like the Carbon and was psyched I was given the upgrade when I had issues with the 08 frame(cracked BB shell)
So when you order a frame from Specialized does it ALWAYS come with the rear shock? Is there any option to have one ordered without a rear shock if you already have one from the alloy frame?
I am a bike geek, but not too scientific in regards to weights. My 08 Stumpy FSR Comp 26er feels way lighter when picking it up from the floor than my new 2012 Stumpy FSR Comp 26er. However the 2012 knocks out the 08 in regards to performance on the trail and stiffness. I don't feel the difference in weight on the trail when comparing the two. Hope that helps for the weight debate.
I usually purchase a new mtb bike every 4 years or so, so I would personally wait to get the carbon. Specialized seems to change their frames every 2 years, so I cant wait to see what the future will bring for future stumpys!
So when you order a frame from Specialized does it ALWAYS come with the rear shock? Is there any option to have one ordered without a rear shock if you already have one from the alloy frame?
You get shock, rear axle, headset, seatpost clamp and command post. You cant order it without that stuff either.