Carbon Fiber Frames -- Gathering info

[Derf]

For those of you that have carbon fiber frames, I'm interested in finding out what brand you have, why you choose that specific brand and what type of riding you do. I am just starting to look and would love to know what other women are riding. LBS is really big on the Specialized Ruby. Thanks!

[Eden]

As you probably know from other threads I have a 44cm Ruby Pro. I bought the Ruby because last year it was really the one and only small, high quality race bike available for someone my size without going custom. I figured if I was going to upgrade going with another aluminium bike wasn't really what I would want to do and that was pretty much what all other bikes in my size were- I wanted the new one to be one that I wouldn't feel the need to upgrade again in a year. I was looking to lose some weight (about 4lbs from my old bike so not insignificant) and get a component upgrade. Also, as I race, I really wanted to stick with standard equipment, so not having to have 650c wheels was a real plus - I have no probs with fit, toe overlap or strange/sluggish/twitchy handling, no matter what other people think about 700's on a small bike.
With the success of the Ruby last year - they were very popular and it was difficult to get hold of one (plus the very small sizes were produced in rather small quantities- my 44cm Ruby Pro is one of 9...) there are more companies producing high performance bikes for us smaller folks. I'm not in the market for a new bike, so I haven't really looked, but I've heard other big names are getting into the small bike market. I've heard that even Pinarello has a 43cm women's frame this year.

[spokewench]

I ride a Giant TCR Carbon. I used to race, but no longer race on the road. However, I still very much appreciate a lightweight climber. It helps me out a lot. A few years ago, I was sponsored by Giant - and no I'm no expert racer or anything - and I was given a Giant TCR Carbon frame to ride. I ride a small frame. It was great; it fit me well and I like the way it handles. It is a crazy great climbing bike! The only issues I have with and they are probably caused more by my aero spokes than anything else is that it really moves in the wind. Some of that probably can be attributed to the weight of the bike as well. That took a little getting used to.

Anyway, I really liked this bike, had all the components for a nice bike when I gave the frame back to the sponsor so I went out and bought one just like it. I've been riding bikes for almost 20 years so I am a good bike handler and like the quick feel of this bike. Some might not like that.

If I had not known that I really like the Giant, I might have ended up with a Specialized Carbon - they seem to be really nice bikes as well.

[Eden]

If I had not known that I really like the Giant, I might have ended up with a Specialized Carbon - they seem to be really nice bikes as well.

I've heard from a Giant dealer that they are both (Giant & Specialized) made in the same factory, which is owned by Giant.... (though they do have differing geometries) I did not go with Giant since even their XS has a very long TT length - at least too long for me.

[KSH]

I have a Specialized Tarmac Expert, 49CM, XS.

I picked it simply because I wanted:

1) A bike that was fast and responsive and that WOW'ed me the test ride- which is did!

2) A bike that was full carbon- which it was, except for the handlebars, but I put my carbon ones on already.

3) A bike with full Ultegra components- not a mix, but full- and it had that too.

4) A bike with a nice color scheme- and it was so pretty!

I test rode the Giant carbon, but was't WOW'ed by the ride. I also test rode the Ruby and liked it as much as the Tarmac... but it was $400 more... so I took it out of the running.

Thus far, I have only ridden my Tarmac 25 miles... dang weather! But so far... so good.

[roadie gal]

I have a Sampson Diablo set up as a tri bike. (In fact, it's the one on their web site.) I went with Sampson because I have one of their ti Silvertons and love it. Their bikes fit me perfectly.

I have also been extremely happy dealing with Eric Sampson. When you call to talk to them about getting a bike he's the one that answers the phone. He doesn't try to sell you anything. He chats about your style of riding, the road conditions, and any special needs you have. I called about 6 times before I ordered the bike. He was always very nice, never short or pushy.

I like the feel of their carbon bike. I had tried a Trek a few years ago and thought it was like riding a block of wood. The Sampson is much more responsive, but still dampens the vibration of the miserable roads we have around here.

I live in the mountains of NorCal. There is no flat. Everything is either UP or DOWN. This bike handles very well, even with the tri bar setup. It's nice and stiff without being abusive.

It was a *bit* more expensive than a lot of bikes. But it's spec's are top shelf. And I figure if I stop doing tris I can put some regular drop bars on it and use it as a roady.

[emily_in_nc]

I have a carbon Aegis Swift. They are made in Maine (I liked the fact that it was made in the USA). I bought the frame on eBay and had it built up with Campy Chorus and an FSA Compact Carbon Pro crankset in 2004. I believe Aegis still makes the Swift, but the price of a new one is high since you buy the frame/fork separately and then pick a build kit and wheels, so the price can skyrocket very quickly. I was only able to afford to build mine because I got the frame/fork for 2/3 off retail through ebay. It was a leftover (never built) 1999 model from a small California bike shop. The newer frames are lighter than what I have.

The frame comes in 44, 46, and 48 cm sizes only (or at least through 2005 or so it did; haven't checked since) and takes 650c wheels. I ride the 46 cm size but would probably have done better on the 44 as the standover is minimal. I am 5'2.5" with a 28.5" inseam.

Emily

[Mimosa]

As you can see in my sig I ordered a Stevens SCF1 Carbon frame (56 cm) which is a german brand. It's designed in germany but manufactured somewhere in asia (like a lot of carbon frames). I choose that one because of the price/weight ratio and because I found loads of good reviews/tests about this frame (and I fell in love with the -almost- white colour). If what people say is true then it's a good responsive, fast, strong and comfortable frame. And it must be since I will drive mostly crits with it.

They (stevens) got a customization program but I stuck with what I knew and choose the put full Shimano Ultegra on it with Pro components (a daughter brand of shimano). I will post some pics when I get the bike which should be in a matter of weeks.

[Batbike]

For those of you that have carbon fiber frames, I'm interested in finding out what brand you have, why you choose that specific brand and what type of riding you do. I am just starting to look and would love to know what other women are riding. LBS is really big on the Specialized Ruby. Thanks!

No matter what you buy, please make sure the geometry fits you! The Specialized Ruby is a great bike, but if LBS is pushing it because that is what they sell versus the geometry fits you, than no matter how great the bike is made, you will not be happy! You should fit the bike, not the bike "can be adjusted" to fit you! So, with that being said, know your geometry, determine what type of riding style you like -- comfortable rec, agressive race, or comfortable no matter what you are doing! I say this because with geometry it is good to know what angles fit you -- head and seat. Of course, then there are components -- again, what are you going to do with the bike and how much do you want to spend? I say this, because many manufacturers make WOMEN SPECIFIC frames with down-graded, heavier components, so make sure you get what you want! However, it all starts with geometry -- know your fit and then start looking at frames!

[Eden]

I say this, because many manufacturers make WOMEN SPECIFIC frames with down-graded, heavier components, so make sure you get what you want!

this was one of my big draws to the Ruby Pro - (besides that it would actually fit me :rolleyes: ) - it has just as good technology and components as the boys (and the taller gals) can get - which was rare if not unheard of in most "women specific" bikes. For some reason before last year it was assumed that if you needed a small bike you would not be interested in a light, fast machine, that you would need a triple and that you wouldn't be willing to spend to much bux on your bike.

[Trekhawk]

I have two carbon bikes a 48 sloping Colnago C50 and 50 Trek 5000. I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains so not much flat riding near home. I did my first century last year and Im doing a 200 km brevet in March. I love my bikes. The Trek was my first road bike and the model I have was the last year the 5000 was made in the USA it has been a great bike. My C50 is an Italian beauty that rides like a dream.:)

Good luck with the bike shopping.

[Aggie_Ama]

I ride a 2007 Cannondale Synapse 3- Women's Specific Design. Here is why I went with it:


Price- it fit my budget.
Fit- The only adjustment needed was with the saddle height. I don't corner really tightly, but I haven't experienced toe overlap.
Purpose- I enjoy mostly long rides, I wanted to be comfortable. I also wanted something snappy on hills, because that is all we have here. My longest ride to date on her is a hilly 54 miler and it felt great.
The shop I know and love sells Felt, Cannondale, Orbea and some other things I can only dream of. The one that sells Specialized has great selection, but is really big and looking at bikes felt cold there. Service after the sale was an influencing factor.
And the frivalous reason- it looked a lot sweeter than other carbon bikes in my budget.



Whatever you pick, pick what you want. If the LBS is pushing one thing, make sure it is what you want to ride. I wanted a triple despite the snobby attitude they get. I am going to feel bad about needing that little ring when I am at the base of a steep hill. 300 miles on my bike so far and I am happy!

[Derf]

I have a carbon Aegis Swift. They are made in Maine (I liked the fact that it was made in the USA). I bought the frame on eBay and had it built up with Campy Chorus and an FSA Compact Carbon Pro crankset in 2004. I believe Aegis still makes the Swift, but the price of a new one is high since you buy the frame/fork separately and then pick a build kit and wheels, so the price can skyrocket very quickly. I was only able to afford to build mine because I got the frame/fork for 2/3 off retail through ebay. It was a leftover (never built) 1999 model from a small California bike shop. The newer frames are lighter than what I have.

The frame comes in 44, 46, and 48 cm sizes only (or at least through 2005 or so it did; haven't checked since) and takes 650c wheels. I ride the 46 cm size but would probably have done better on the 44 as the standover is minimal. I am 5'2.5" with a 28.5" inseam.

Emily

Those look VERY nice. I am 5'3 and currently have a 50 cm Cannondale with 700c wheels. I wonder how it would be to go to the 650c wheels.

[emily_in_nc]

Those look VERY nice. I am 5'3 and currently have a 50 cm Cannondale with 700c wheels. I wonder how it would be to go to the 650c wheels.

I doubt you'd notice any difference at all. Smaller wheels actually accelerate slightly faster, and are lighter in weight. The downside is that not many other cyclists carry 650 tubes, so you have to make absolutely sure you have a tube with you (two if you're paranoid, or a patch kit) at all times. And the tires don't come in snazzy colors; they're mostly black or gray last time I checked.

It's easier to avoid toe overlap with smaller frame sizes and 650c's, though I actually have a little overlap on my Aegis since the top tube is short. I love the bike, though.

Emily

[Aggie_Ama]

IN a pinch you can force a 700 tube into a 650 wheel. My old bike had 650s and one day I had 2 flats and no patch kit. A mechanic happened to drive by with a 700 tube. You don't want go long on it though.

Emily- the cons you listed is what I hated about 650's. Otherwise, I was less paranoid about toe overlap with them.

[annie]

I have a Project One Trek WSD 5200, 650 wheels. I love the carbon. It is light. It is responsive. It helps absorb some of the road shock. I've ridden steel, aluminum, but never titanium. They each have their benefits. I prefer the carbon. Personal preference. I bought the Trek for 2 reasons: 1. I was working at a Trek shop and got a HUGE discount and 2. Same as one. ;-) Plus the bike is beautiful and it fits me to a T.

Annie

[roguedog]

Giant TCR here..

I actually wasn't looking for a carbon bike. I wanted steel. I'd ridden another brands carbon and was unimpressed. I finally understood what people menat when they say that carbon rides like wood... just kinda dead.

Well, that is until I tried a Giant TCR. I liked that it was smooth like steel, with most of the liveliness of steel but light and responsive. It fit and was fun test riding. And during the test ride.. I just kinda had a "ah yes..." moment.

And ya.. it was cool looking. Natural carbon w/ clear coat. NOt too flashy and it was in my price range.

Sometimes I think getting a bike is much like picking wands at Ollivander's in Harry Potter.

So .. I love my Giant.

[BikeMomma]

I started looking for a new bike a couple years ago when I noticed that I had tweaked my Cannondale aluminum frame -- coming back into the sport with a bit more income than I did before allowed me to shop around with a carbon bike in mind. I lusted after the carbon bikes since they first came out on the market in the late 80's. So when I got my Fuji carbon, it was especially sweet.

I really didn't "shop around" too long. One of the lbs's in Merced deals Fuji's and knowing me, my riding style, my body build, etc., they recommended the Fuji right off the bat. The lbs owner was so thrilled to have me back riding with the them that they cut me a HUGE break on the cost -- and also they knew that if they sold me one, others might want one also (they were right, and sold two more -- whose owners both love the bike as I do). This bike is awesome.

I have the luxury of being tall and lanky with a long torso (sometimes I wonder if it's really a luxury, though, when it comes to fitting long-sleeve shirts/jerseys...:rolleyes: ), so I'm able to fit non-WSD bikes (aka "guys" bikes) without much adjustment. I'm 5'9" with a 34" inseam. The bike size I generally ride is a 56cm, but I can ride a 54 with some tweaking. The 56cm gives great response in sprints and hills and corners well. It was alot more responsive than my old Cannondale at first, so it took a bit of getting used to, but is noooo problemmmooo now.

The Fuji (http://www.fujibikes.com/2007/index.asp)carbon bikes are endorsed by the Toyota-United pro mens's team (http://www.toyota-united.com/) and the Team Lipton (http://www.teamlipton.com/team_lipton/) women's squad this year. That's Kristin Armstrong's team. :)

Anyhooo, I'd recommend giving the Fuji a try, but like the other ladies said, fit is first. Fuji does have WSD bikes, but I haven't looked into them too much (being too-tall-me & all).

Take care & have fun shopping...
~BikeMomma

[Derf]

Here's another question for you all. Say I want a frame that is not locally available. How does one insure perfect fit? Would I get an extensive fit done and then submit those measurements to the place that will build the bike?

[Mimosa]

When I ordered my bike they did some measurements (using a laserthingie) with 6 or 7 points of my body which (when run through a computerprogram) led to a framesize (and the rest of the components). Now I know this is just a 'best guess' and it will not allways work. But I knew the numbers from my 'old' bike so I knew that the numbers were correct. The frame has been ordered (and as I was told today has been delivered ... *yippie*) and they will put it all together. When I pickup the bike (hopefully on friday) we will look at my position on the bike if the stem length and height is correct (he ordered the fork 'uncut').

So yes I think you can do it as long as you are certain that the (frame)size you order is the correct size and you have the possibility to swap components like the stem, bars etc.

[JanB]

I have a 54 Specialized Ruby Expert and I love love love my bike. I've had it for about a year and it's been great.

[Batbike]

Here's another question for you all. Say I want a frame that is not locally available. How does one insure perfect fit? Would I get an extensive fit done and then submit those measurements to the place that will build the bike?

Personally i have learned from a combination of trial and error, LBS helping tweek a bike to fit me better (that I bought too big somewhere else), trying different combinations of heights & parts etc., and lots of reading and measurement taking! It has taken me YEARS to feel like I got it close to what is best for me -- I still fool with "this and that" occassionally -- raising my seat height just this past year. Based on what I have gone through -- lots of wrong sizes -- I feel it is best to know how to properly fit yourself, or get someone to do it for you, so that you get it right the first time (at least in the ballpark) ... much better that way!!:)

From what I have done and what I have seen, I feel the biggest mistake people make when buying a bike is buying it too big. Proper sizing is tricky.

So ... to directly answer your question: Many shops have customized fittings -- maybe you could find one of those; Customized frame builders usually have a method to get your measurements (give you a chart of what to measure and how and you fill it in and send to them); General search (google) could get you various web sites and different ways of measuring to help you take down measurements for yourself and start to get you thinking about where you "need to be" in frame size and measurements. Here is just one -- not necessarily the best, but can get you started thinking about it: http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

Go to ANY customized bike web site and read about how they do proper fits. Do their measurements. I would suggest doing various sites fitting methods --the more info you have, the better informed you will be on what you need to buy that will work for you! A good site asks about flexibility and how you ride -- Serotta is an excellent site! Calfee and Cramerotti are good too!

Research ... research ... research ... Measure ... measure ... measure ... :cool:

[roguedog]

Hmm.. hard one, Derf.

I tried a lot of bikes. A lot of different bikes cuz I wanted to just keep an open mind. And then I started to gather literature that at first jsut hung out on the passenger seat.

However, after riding quite a few bikes I just started to notice that I liked some better than others. Hmmm...

Well, I went back to the little pile in the passenger seat and sifted out the ones I liked. Weird. When I looked at the geometry specs of the bikes I liked they were similar in build.

So, I guess what I'm saying is.. in theory you could do this long distance after you ride quite a few bikes and see what it is your body seems to respond to. I don't know if this works for everyone or if it was just how it worked out for me.

Of course, the best way like everyone says is a fitting and just riding but not sure everyone lives with so much shopping near them like me :)

[Derf]

Hmm.. hard one, Derf.

I tried a lot of bikes. A lot of different bikes cuz I wanted to just keep an open mind. And then I started to gather literature that at first jsut hung out on the passenger seat.

However, after riding quite a few bikes I just started to notice that I liked some better than others. Hmmm...

Well, I went back to the little pile in the passenger seat and sifted out the ones I liked. Weird. When I looked at the geometry specs of the bikes I liked they were similar in build.

So, I guess what I'm saying is.. in theory you could do this long distance after you ride quite a few bikes and see what it is your body seems to respond to. I don't know if this works for everyone or if it was just how it worked out for me.

Of course, the best way like everyone says is a fitting and just riding but not sure everyone lives with so much shopping near them like me :)

I live in Los Angeles, so hoping that I will have good luck in finding a wide variety of brands to ride. I know there's a place in Burbank that has a wide variety of bikes from smaller manufacturers and I know there's a some store out near Ventura that does fittings for Serotta. I guess I'm going to have to commit to driving around the greater LA area to investigate! P.S. Your user name caught my eye as my dog's name is Rogie. He was named after the Rogue River in Oregon!

[Crankin]

I have a Kuota Kredo carbon bike. It's an Italian manufacturer, and they are just starting to sell a lot of bikes in the US. They are mostly known for tri bikes, but mine is a regular road bike. I bought the frame and then built the rest of the components with a lot of help from my husband and the LBS. Now, I am 5' 1" with a 29 inch inseam and it's a 51 cm frame. However, my arm length is sort of average, not really short and my hands are not extra small either. I had an extensive computer generated fitting. It is not a WSD bike, but the top tube is shorter than the one I had on my Trek 5200 47 cm. Frankly, I can't figure out how this bike fits me, but it does. I got 38 cm bars, just like I had on my Trek. I can reach the drops much more easily, though, because of some change in the geometry. The big change for me were the 700 wheels. The Trek had 650s and I loved my "little" bike. However, I was always in pain. On my tour in Europe a couple of years ago, i rode a 5200, 47cm, with 700 wheels. They had changed the top tube (sloping) to accomodate the bigger wheels. It took me awhile to get used to that, too. However, I now appreciate using tubes that eveyone else uses. My bike has all Ultegra components, which are basicaly the same as the older Dura Ace I had upgraded to on my Trek. I always had shifting problems on the Trek and the Kuota it is perfect in this respect.
The bike is expensive, but I will probably have it until I die (or go to the hybrid because I am like 90 years old). And, it is a big conversation piece on group rides.

[kerrybelle]

I have the Kuota Kharma. Love it! I went with that brand because it was the only one that would fit, without a lot of adjustments. I have very long legs, but not a long torso. The seet tube was too short in all the WSD and the TT was too long in the other manufacturers non-WSD. The Kuota has nearly the same lenght TT and seat tube. Works perfect for me!

My husband has the Orbea Orca. That is a very nice bike. Orbea makes a great bike and comes with a lifetime frame warranty! They are one of the few, if not only, manufacture that has such a warranty.

Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted.

Kerry

[SouthernBelle]

FYI, my Giant also has a lifetime warranty. :D

[stacie]

I thought I wanted a Trek and even convinced Trek to send one in my size to my bike shop that I could try. Brought it home for a week and just never felt much for it. I discussed my concerns with the shop owner, but he knew more about what I needed than I did and never really listened. I tried a cannondale, it was okay. I tried the specialized and liked it. I wonder how much it had to do with the fact that I ride past this shop all the time and the owner was familiar with me. He really listened and spent a lot of time fitting me. He also listened when I said I liked the bike but something was missing. I knew when I threw my leg over that sweet steel ride of his that I was in love. Everyone said I was crazy but I spent every cent I planned to on a steel bike. I haven't regretted it for a minute. Funny thing is, when I starte dbike shopping years ago this same person tried to steer me towards the steel.
I guess what I'm saying is find someone who knows the industry and is willing ot get to know you and your riding style.

[velocilex]

I have a 2006 Scott Contessa CR1. I had a 53 cm Lemond Etape that never fit me correctly (pushy LBS sold me stem risers, swapped out for a child's stem, adjusted the brakes so I could reach them-- told me this was normal). I was naive and rode it for a year before I started looking for something else. When I started shopping in earnest, I worked with my LBS and began to compare geometries of different brands, so if I had to order a model that was not on-site, I would have a pretty good idea of how it would fit. I was fortunate in that I had a bike (the Lemond) whose geometry *didn't* work for me, so I had something to compare other brands to. The Scott Contessa Speedster happened to be on the floor one day and fit me like a glove-- it was better than anything else I had tried. I ended up with the carbon frame instead of the aluminum because the owner of the shop made me an outstanding offer on the CR1. Carbon is an amazing ride and I find my enjoyment of riding was boosted immensely.

[aggiecorgi]

I have the 53 cm Orbea Diva (in pink!)

http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?mid=a200&layout=viewproduct&taxid=485

I just got it for Christmas and love it. My last bike was a Giant aluminum TCR0, and I could really tell a difference in the amount of vibration I felt between the two. I must say if you do like the Giants the TCR geometry was nice. The Orbea is my first women specific frame. My "personal" geometry is different than most women though, as I have a long torso and shorter legs for a girl. I'm 5'8" so that probably makes a big difference too.

[ShannonG]

Those look VERY nice. I am 5'3 and currently have a 50 cm Cannondale with 700c wheels. I wonder how it would be to go to the 650c wheels.


My girlfriend had 650 c wheels on her Trek 2300 but we found she was always the one to get TWO flats on group rides, and the rest of us have 700c so couldn't help out. She loves the road sparkles!

[ShannonG]

I have a Trek Madone SSL 6.9. I have an aluminum LeMond Tourmalet that I love and I originally ordered a carbon Zurich, but there were really lengthy delays in production and my bike shop guy talked me into the Trek.
I have a beef with most of the bike companies not making a women's specific version of their best bikes. My bike is a men's 50 cm. I am 5'5", with kind of longish legs.

[Derf]

My girlfriend had 650 c wheels on her Trek 2300 but we found she was always the one to get TWO flats on group rides, and the rest of us have 700c so couldn't help out. She loves the road sparkles!

Thanks. I went to a couple of shops this weekend, both said I don't need the 650c wheels.