Carbon Frames/Durability

[Selkie]

As I've mentioned too many times to count, I am itching to get a Specialized Ruby. However, a guy at work told me that carbon frames aren't that durable, so I'm wondering if I should invest all that money in a bike that will have a limited life span. Anyone hear the same or similar about the durability of carbon frames or was my pal's info off the mark?

[Veronica]

Nobody really knows how long carbon fiber lasts. People who don't like it, will tell you three to five years. Carbon fiber does break down when exposed to ultraviolet light. But, they have UV inhibitors in them to slow down the breakdown process. It for sure won't last beyond a crash. It does lose its structural integrity when it gets abraided.

It's not a bike that you will be riding ten years from now.

Veronica

[bouncybouncy]

My fiancee's bikes are carbon (a Calfee Luna Pro road-bike & Trek (i never can remember the model #) hardtail MTB) He had a GT full-suspension MTB and cracked the frame...has never had a problem with his Trek carbon...They have both experienced normal wear and tear and fortunately have not experience any major wrecks...

I do know however that when carbon is bashed or wrecked (should I be saying that outloud :confused:) they splinter up beyond repair...I would look deeply into the warranty of any carbon bike!

My roadie is steel, in our wreck I layed it down and the rear derailler took a hit, because it was steel we were able to just "un"bend it...now if it were a carbon bike the rear derailler would have been set up differently and most likely just "broke" off so a new one would have had to been bought. Chris was able to "roll" keeping his bike from taking any impact (OK, he is a better "faller") ;)

My knowledge is limited and I am still learning about the techs and specs of it all...I would get more opinions (of course...that is what you are doing here!!!) I will get his input and see if he has anything to add...

I do know that when I was looking, many,many people told me that because of the compact size I was looking at at (I am 5') that carbon would be a more rigid ride than steel (aluminum still being worse) because in order to make carbon that small it has to be compacted so much it does not give you the flex as it does on the larger sizes...i do have a carbon fork though!

Good Luck...and the ruby is a schaaweeeeeet looking beauty!!!!

[pkq]

One of my bikes is a '96 Trek 5200 OCLV and it's been great. It has thousands of miles and is a lifetime frame per a Seven dealer that also reps Trek. It's been in one wreck but since I went over the top of the heap, the frame was unscathed.

They can weave carbon to get different dampening. They've been doing this for years with bikes, tennis rackets, and anything else where vibration would be a problem. I'd bet there are some materials experts here that can elaborate much better than moi.

I trashed a steel frame in a wreck. Sheared the top tube at the weld where it joined the headset tube. Crumped the down tube beyond repair.

No frame can survive some stuff but most will give a lifetime of good, reliable service.

[KatieBelle]

Okay, this is probably a really stupid question, but would falling while attempting to learn how to ride clipless cause problems with a Carbon frame? I am looking at the Ruby or the Trek Pilot 5.0, but I am a newbie. Will I ruin my bike with just a "Timber!" fall due to clipless deficit disorder? :confused:

[pkq]

I would say no. It, carbon, is more durable than a "Timber" fall.

[Trekhawk]

Okay, this is probably a really stupid question, but would falling while attempting to learn how to ride clipless cause problems with a Carbon frame? I am looking at the Ruby or the Trek Pilot 5.0, but I am a newbie. Will I ruin my bike with just a "Timber!" fall due to clipless deficit disorder? :confused:

Hi KatieBelle - well I can probably answer this from experience. I have a Trek 5000 Carbon bike and not knowing any better I went clipless straight away. So a few "Timber" falls did happen in the beginning and my bike is fine. I must admit though most times I fell I had the tension so loose on my pedals that I managed to get a foot out in the middle of the fall and sort of hold the bike a little with my body (sorry cant seem to explain it better than that it all seemed to happen so quickly). I guess what Im trying to say is my frame is fine and I think it takes more than a little "Timber" to damage it. Perhaps you can loosen the tension on your clipless pedals until you feel a little more confident.

Hope this helps a little and please let us know what bike you end up with and how it rides. I must say I love the look of the Ruby. :)

[latelatebloomer]

had to have fillings replaced???? :eek:

Please tell me if that is a joke - I have had so much dental work in the past few years, I DEFINITELY need to know if there's a threat to my teeth (besides the scenario of falling & getting them knocked out, I'm willing to ride with that risk),

signed, more crowns than the Queen of England

[Dogmama]

Sorry, yes it was a joke.

Crowns & root canals - my favorite way to blow $1,000 (not!!). I have so many that I've lost count.

[Trek420]

mickchick "I'm considering getting a custom bike.... Ti looks tempting but steel will do."

steel WILL DO? :eek: I love steel, not even tempted to Ti

Trek-old-gal-on-steel-bike-420

[jobob]

I'm holding out for plutonium myself.
It's too bad the lead-lined cycling shorts cancel out all the weight advantages, but I'm told they're working on it :D

But at least I wouldn't need lights at night ... d'oh.

[Dogmama]

I had a very obese friend of mine (who is just starting cycling) ask me if he put helium in his tires, would it help him get up hills?

He was serious. Unfortunately, he has already spawned children.

[eofelis]

mickchick "I'm considering getting a custom bike.... Ti looks tempting but steel will do."

steel WILL DO? :eek: I love steel, not even tempted to Ti

Trek-old-gal-on-steel-bike-420

I love steel too!

Road: Surly Pacer (imagine that...), Mtn: Gunnar Rockhound (ebay goodie!); Touring: Trek 520 (soon to be Surly Long Haul Trucker); Commuter: Novara Randonee 26"

My BF has 2 road bikes, a Ti Litespeed Classic and a steel Gunnar Roadie. He seems to like the steel one better. He says he's never buy the Litespeed new again.

[Dogmama]

My BF has 2 road bikes, a Ti Litespeed Classic and a steel Gunnar Roadie. He seems to like the steel one better. He says he's never buy the Litespeed new again.

Why? The new Litespeed looks like a pocket rocket...Is the ride really cruddy or what?

OTOH, I'm in a spinning class with a guy who rides serious miles daily. He bought an Orbea and has nothing but trouble - including the front brake coming off during a 20 mile / 30 MPH downhill :eek:

[aka_kim]

What will you do when other bikers call you, "The old woman on the iron bike."?Does that happen often?

[Veronica]

Only when I ride with men on Ti frames. :D

[annie]

What will you do when other bikers call you, "The old woman on the iron bike."?

Me - I just try to pass them when that happens. :D

V.

You go, V! Pass those upstarts! :cool: :cool:

On a more serious note, I have a Trek 2100 from way back....... way back the second year of production of that model, when the main frame was CF and the stays and forks were AL. I've had two bikes since then, both full CF. Always hung onto the 2100 'cause it was my first "good " bike and the memories............... ah, I could never give it up. Anyway, I've ridden it as my winter bike, as a trainer bike, and the past season, as my BOB bike and commuter bike. Thousands and thousands of miles on that carbon frame and nary a problem. Not sure of the age of the bike, never was good at keeping track of the years -- but definitely way over 10 years, more like 15 -- and still going strong. So, yes, a CF frame can last a LONG time. I LOVE CF, have ridden AL and steel, but not TI, and would always choose the CF. Just my own personal opinion, tho'! They all have their strong points. I think its great that there are so many wonderful choices out there because we are all different and are able to choose what will suit us the best.

Get a bike, ride, and all will be well. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D
I know, too simplistic!

annie

[Donna E Mobile]

The paint is bubbling off the aluminum lugs but the tubes are holding up fine. Carbon fiber bikes haven't been around all that long so the durability question is kind of like asking a teenager if she's stopped growing.

[SadieKate]

Only when I ride with men on Ti frames. :D
1) The MAN on the Ti frame did not call you old. ;)
2) He was saying it with a great deal of respect.

[Veronica]

1) The MAN on the Ti frame did not call you old. ;)
2) He was saying it with a great deal of respect.

That's true - weren't you the one who called me old?
:D

V.

[SadieKate]

Back to the carbon frame. Bubba has a 1997 Trek OCLV 5500 in perfect condition with thousands of miles on it. He is selling it only because it has never fit right (not the fault of the carbon) and he doesn't care for the ride of the bike (a personal preference issue).

Yes, repairs are a whole nother story compared to other frame materials. Sometimes it can be repaired, sometimes not. Pure breaks and cracks tend to be catastrophic compared to showing up over time as it does with Ti and Steel. However, look at all the thousands of bikes with carbon forks, stays, bars, seatposts, etc. It obviously has benefits.

Hmm, plutonium, huh? :p

[aka_kim]

That's true - wren't you the one who called me old?Must have been that disrepectful old battleaxe on a Ti bike (who previously put many miles on a Trek 2120 carbon bike).

[SadieKate]

Yeah, I was on a steel bike that day. I only questioned the lady part. :D

[Mindyhubby]

Ladies,

I apologize first off for being male, but when you read my question you may find it in your heart to forgive my interuption of your forum discussion. I get pleasure in researching for biking equipment for my wife. My wife, Mindy is 5' 4" and is similar proportionally between her upper and lower torso lengths. Mindy currently rides a Lemond Buenos Aires, but has considered riding the Specialized Ruby Pro carbon fiber. Mindy's best friend, Eileen rides the Giant TCR Composite 0. Eilenn, 5' 7" who seems to never use her small chain ring, hasn't had one problem with the bike and loves it. Mindy wants a carbon fiber bike like Eileen has, but from a different manufacturer. I've spent a lot of time researching different bikes, but I can't be more impressed with the all female design team Specialized has put together to create a women's specific bike that has the ability to compete at the highest level. I'm responding to MICHCHICK's initial question about the Ruby, because it's the same bike I find myself looking at for Mindy.

Mindy's and my plan is to purchase a carbon bike. Are there alternative carbon bikes you ladies would suggest I research to make an educated comparison against the Specialized Ruby? Please take into consideration that I really appreciate the compact geometry such as top tube length and handlebar shaping. Mindy struggles to reach her brakes while on the drops, which lessens her comfort levels.

Respectfully submitted,

Mindy's hubby

[SadieKate]

It's perfectly OK to be male! We like them! Especially when they thoughtfully help research for their wives' health and happiness.

Look for a short reach brake lever - Shimano Ultegra and 105 levers have a shim to adjust the reach. It is also the specific bar/lever combo and where the lever is set on the curve of the bar.

Are you also asking our opinion on the crankset? It highly depends on the terrain and the rider. Is Eileen riding a double crankset and doesn't use the small chainring? If so, you must live on completely flat land and Eileen is either an incredibly strong rider or cross-gearing. Most normal folks need a small chain ring for any kind of climbing or strong headwinds. Age, weight, fitness, knees, a bunch of stuff go into deciding chainring and cassette choices.

Volumes can be written on all of this but we're not sure what your level of knowledge about bicycles is. You can search all through this forum for lots of info. www.sheldonbrown.com has lots more. We can also answer specific questions.

[SadieKate]

Mindyhubby, doesn't the Buenos Aires have 105 brake levers? Your LBS should be able to order shims from Shimano or Specialized that can be inserted into the lever to improve the reach.

[Mindyhubby]

SadieKate,

Thanks for the response. I appreciate your delving deeper into the subject however, the bike has full Ultegra 10. The bike will go to our son who's almost the same size as Mindy, so I don't want to modify it too much considering he'll grow out of it in time.

[BikeMomma]

I'm holding out for plutonium myself.
We expect a "glowing" report when and if that happens. :D :p

[SadieKate]

The bike will go to our son who's almost the same size as Mindy, so I don't want to modify it too much considering he'll grow out of it in time.The shims are very inexpensive and may make your growing boy very happy at this time of his life and removed later. It would also give your wife an opportunity to test this fix. If she has problems reaching the brake levers now, a women's specific geometry isn't going to change that. I don't believe the shims can be used with Dura Ace so it would be an easy and cheap test to help out your wife while making a very expensive decision.

What is it she likes about the other carbon bike and why do you like the Ruby better? At 5'4", the WSD frame design can be nice but may not be critical as long as the bike fits. It is the components (levers, bar width, crank length, etc.) which are really critical. Has she had an opportunity to try both bikes?

[Mindyhubby]

SadieKate,

Thank you for your responses and questions. I've not considered two aspects you've brought up. The shims are a great idea. I don't have the reach problem, so I didn't think of it. I'll have those installed immediately, and as you've said, they're inexpensive. As you've suggested, Mindy is borderline whether she needs a WSD or not. This spring we'll go into our LBS and have her professionally fitted to determine the needed top tube length. As it is now, she's a bit stretched out, but the shorter top tube might not be the right idea as well. Of the two manufacturers, Giant and Specialized, to my knowledge (limited as it is) only Specialized has the life time warranty on their carbon fiber bikes. Mindy hasn't ridden the Specialized Ruby, but has ridden the Giant. She's noticed the response difference in the two bikes and likes the Giant a lot, but believes her Lemond is a bit more comfortable to ride. The Specialized Ruby has Zert inserts to dampen road vibration......

I sense a determination from you to stear me away from either purchasing a very expensive bike prefering maybe to just change certain components on her current bike, or from deciding exclusively on a WSD bike. As it is now, Mindy's Lemond is only 1 pound heavier than Eileen's Giant fully built.

Any additional questions or comments from you or anyone are greatly appreciated!

Thanks again!

[SadieKate]

I sense a determination from you to stear me away from either purchasing a very expensive bike prefering maybe to just change certain components on her current bike, or from deciding exclusively on a WSD bike. Ha! I'll change components or build up another bike to fit a special niche because I'm somewhat of a princess when it comes to bikes.

Being just just under 5'4" myself and having small hands, I honed in on these comments. Brake lever reach is not solved just by a shorter top tube or stem. Using the shims on her current bike will help you solve this problem now while you are making a decision. Yes, I do think that a WSD bike is not always the answer for women our of our height though they can be a good thing. Just don't limit your choices.

As far as expensive, whatever you want to do. I love beautiful bikes and high end componentry. Apparently the new 2006 women's Ruby Pro has a short reach bar and Dura Ace brake combo (must be new as Dura Ace wasn't short reach last year), 700c wheels and the fork rake adjusted to prevent toe overlap. It's a purdy bike, but the inner chainring/cassette combo might not be low enough for her. Around here a 39x27 low gear won't get you far but don't know your terrain, what gears Mindy currently uses or if she's expanding her cycling horizons and will need more gear options.

One last factor is that the bike has to make her heart go pitter-patter!

[Mindyhubby]

We ride with our local club at least 3 times per week covering at a minimum of 100 miles per week. We have mixed terain, but the touring we do takes us into hillier areas where Mindy utilizes her triple chain ring combo on the Lemond. The Ruby would only have the 53x39, which would bother her, and it's the only deterrent so far. She likes her Lemond, but it's more masculine looking and it doesn't make her heart go pitter-patter.

Since you're a Princess and I'm only a Jester, I'd like to know if you'd recommend a different bike considering you're similar in height to my Queen?

[SadieKate]

In the price range of the Ruby, you could go custom and really treat her properly! If you're waiting until spring, take the time to search out a bike shop that can really fit her well with a Serotta fit bike or something similar. Read lots. Look at some of the non-big brand stuff. Perhaps buy a frame and order parts. Are you in an area with high end roadie shops? Might be worth a trip just to ogle non-big brand bikes to get a feeling of everything that is out there and she might find something really intriguing.

Your shop might also be willing to swap out the double crank to a triple but not sure if Dura Ace will shift a triple.

Hey girls, other carbon bikes to look at? Parlee, Calfee, who else? Seven makes a Steel/Carbon combo. Titus does an alu/carbon combo. All of these would solicite envious stares from others. Independant Fabrications - do they use carbon?

[Bike Goddess]

Scott makes carbon frames as well. Look them up on the ole internet. They wrap their carbon differently than most others.

These bikes were originally designed for the European racing market and have since come to this country- they are made here in the USA.

I've been looking at a Scott bike at a local bike shop, but haven't tried it set up to my measurments. I currently ride steel and love how it handles.

[caligurl]

Your shop might also be willing to swap out the double crank to a triple but not sure if Dura Ace will shift a triple.



dura-ace has a new triple (http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/products/group.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302040066&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181419&bmUID=1133238726456) out this year....

[tatormc]

My wife, Mindy is 5' 4" and is similar proportionally between her upper and lower torso lengths. Mindy currently rides a Lemond Buenos Aires, but has considered riding the Specialized Ruby Pro carbon fiber. Mindy's best friend, Eileen rides the Giant TCR Composite 0.

Hubby - I'm 5'2" and also equally proportioned. I ride a Giant TCR Composite 2 and love it. It's a perfect fit for me. I did get a fitting at the LBS and due to my equally proportioned body I do not need a WSD. Good luck with the bike search!

[Mindyhubby]

Obviously I've gone to the right source for information. You ladies made suggestions and given opinions that our many LBS's haven't. I truly appreciate the many responses and I'll remember your advice as I continue to search for the right fit. Thanks for the help. :D

[Kathi]

Obviously I've gone to the right source for information. You ladies made suggestions and given opinions that our many LBS's haven't. I truly appreciate the many responses and I'll remember your advice as I continue to search for the right fit. Thanks for the help. :D


Have you looked at Aegis for a carbon frame? Aegis frames are handmade in Maine. They are a small company and wonderful to work with.

The Swift is designed for smaller, lighter riders and they are now making the Victory in smaller frames.

I prefer Campy shifters for my small hands and since I have short arms the short reach handlebars make a big difference.

Whatever you do find a good fitter that takes arm length and femur length into account, not just standover or tt length. I didn't know I had short arms and a short femur until I had a Serotta refit done on my Aegis.

If your thinking custom Serotta, Titus and Seven make ti/carbon frames. I believe that IF is into carbon also. Be aware they run in the $4,000 range for the frame and fork.

A friend of mine is around your wife's height and she bought a Serotta Fierte Ti. Not the same feel as carbon but she liked it better than the Trek carbon that she test rode.

Have fun shopping.

Kathi

[Mindyhubby]

Your responses are more than I could have hoped for and much more than I imagined. I thought my research had almost reached the closing stages, and now since you ladies have shown me so many other possibilities, it makes me believe I've just begun. It's a shame I didn't ask these questions before the Thanksgiving holiday, because if I had I would have given thanks for all of you. You ladies are groovy! :cool:

[Pedal Wench]

M.Hubby, I've been using both a WSD and a standard compact geometry. My Cannondale R1000s are WSD, and a professional fit made sure I had a proper fit on the right size frame. My Bianchis are non-WSD, but compact geometry, so I've got the same size 'virtual' top tube. One of them is a Bianchi XL Carbon. Comparing geometries, I found them to be close enough. I also just got a carbon Colnago. This is a standard geometry, but in a smaller size. Again, with an adjustment of the seatpost, I get the same measurements. I'm 5'4" too, but probably with a shorter torso and longer legs.

Oh - I do find that I prefer Campy shifting to Shimano. I spent four days over Thanksgiving visiting my bf and riding one of my Shimano Cannondales - even after 200 miles, I was looking for my Campy shifter!

[mars]

Dear Pedal Wench -

Just when I had convinced myself to be open minded to Shimano, you come out with this! I'm a Campy fan and have been shopping for a new bike with Shimano. But I haven't ridden Shimano so cannot comment on the difference. Which Campy group do you ride, and is it 10-spd?

I too am just starting to shop around for a carbon frame, maybe to replace my steel Colnago, but haven't decided yet if this is the way to go. So far have looked at the Specialized Ruby Expert and Roubaix Expert. These have pretty much the same components.

[Pedal Wench]

Oh, I love the Campy stuff. I hate to admit this, but two of my bikes are Record, and one is Centaur. They all really ride the same. The Record is just a touch smoother and quicker. My Shimano bike is on my trainer, and it's been getting more use than I care to think about. Of course, I went out on Sunday on a Campy bike and started to freak out because it wasn't shifting. I was trying to move the brake, which on Campy, is just a brake... With my hand problems (ulnar nerve stuff and bad trigger finger issues) I do prefer the feel of Campy.

Back to the original post, I saw something on Sunday that I hope I never see again. I was riding with 4 other women. I had dropped my water bottle (damn those full-fingered gloves...) and stopped to pick it up, so I didn't see this happen, just the after effects. When I caught up to the rest of the group, one of the women was on the ground. Her brand-spankin' new carbon/alu Raleigh was cracked on the downtube and toptube. She was riding on a flat, straight bike trail, suddenly felt out of control and then ended up going over the handlebars. This was the bike's second ride - a total of 45 miles on it. As the owner of two very precious carbon bikes, I was freaked out. It cracked right at the joints between the carbon and aluminum. (It's a Raleigh Prestige.) I would say that if you go with carbon, go with one of the bigger names - a company that's been making carbon for a while, and in enough numbers to know they're doing it right. There's no way of knowing at this point if something else wasn't set up right - perhaps a loose headset, or even a faulty quick release, and the frame cracked as she crashed, and didn't cause the crash. Probably never know that.

[veloputt]

Hi all,

I'm 5'4" and found Campy was too big for my hands, and I chose Shimano since I was more comfortable w/ them on the hoods and working the levers. But I've not looked at shifters in the last few years, so maybe they've changed...

As for geometry, it's not just the frame, but I also got a stem w/ a shorter extension and bars that kept the levers about 1" or so shorter overall than "standard" components, and made the overall geometry great for me. (And of course the type of seat post and range of adjustment w/ the saddle, too). I have a Mercian frame and front fork made w/ Reynolds 531 tubing and built w/ various components chosen for quality, fit, and weight. It's soooooo silky smooth, after riding it I hated getting on my first real road bike--Specialized Allez Pro--steel frame, but Al fork (much stiffer than steel). It was a good bike, but not in comparison to my baby--"vintage" Mercian.

Ergo, Don't assume all steel (or carbon) frames are created equal, or that the fork material is the same as the frame, either. But it's fun to try to find what you like and if it's not comfortable, there are options!

And as a racing friend always said, it's not the chassis that counts, but the engine! And the caveat, if you can't be fast, at least look good! ;)

Deal of the decade--this summer I added the vibration dampening plugs for the bar ends--they really do help! A great deal for under $10 and I highly recommend them to everyone!!

[caligurl]

Back to the original post, I saw something on Sunday that I hope I never see again. I was riding with 4 other women. I had dropped my water bottle (damn those full-fingered gloves...) and stopped to pick it up, so I didn't see this happen, just the after effects. When I caught up to the rest of the group, one of the women was on the ground. Her brand-spankin' new carbon/alu Raleigh was cracked on the downtube and toptube. She was riding on a flat, straight bike trail, suddenly felt out of control and then ended up going over the handlebars. This was the bike's second ride - a total of 45 miles on it. As the owner of two very precious carbon bikes, I was freaked out. It cracked right at the joints between the carbon and aluminum. (It's a Raleigh Prestige.) I would say that if you go with carbon, go with one of the bigger names - a company that's been making carbon for a while, and in enough numbers to know they're doing it right. There's no way of knowing at this point if something else wasn't set up right - perhaps a loose headset, or even a faulty quick release, and the frame cracked as she crashed, and didn't cause the crash. Probably never know that.

OMG! now I'M freaking out, too! is specialized a "big enough name"????

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

my hubby had a brand new carbon bike... isaac brand.. big in europe... new to US... it cracked in the seat tube within a month of having it....! they sent him a new frame (after giving him the 3rd degree on what HE did to the bike.. uhm.. NOTHING.. it's his baby!

[caligurl]

)
And as a racing friend always said, it's not the chassis that counts, but the engine! And the caveat, if you can't be fast, at least look good! ;)



ha ha!!!! someone at the century saturday commented that my ruby was one SUHWEET bike.. and i said "thanx... now if i was just fast enough to deserve it!" lol!

[Pedal Wench]

OMG! now I'M freaking out, too! is specialized a "big enough name"????

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

my hubby had a brand new carbon bike... isaac brand.. big in europe... new to US... it cracked in the seat tube within a month of having it....! they sent him a new frame (after giving him the 3rd degree on what HE did to the bike.. uhm.. NOTHING.. it's his baby!

I think Specialized has made more than a fair share of carbon for you to be confident. Trust me, I'm still freaking, but hoping I can trust the Bianchi and Colnago names (yeah, I ride a bunch of bikes that I don't deserve, but I love them just the same!)

One thing that I keep thinking is that her frame cracked right where the carbon and aluminum meet. On one of my Bianchis, it has carbon and aluminum too, but the carbon is nested inside of the aluminum - it's not like a lugged frame, like the Raleigh appeared to be. I'll see if I can find out what the bike shop/manufacturer says with regards to her frame. Clearly, she didn't do anything wrong.

[veloputt]

I'm not sure about the Specialized carbon frames, but lots of folks I've known raced on Trek carbon frames (not to mention a big pro team) and they held up well thru thousands of miles of training and racing.

Just remember to take the bike off the roof rack before you drive into the garage! (LOL--a bf made that mistake--amazingly his Trek frame was OK, but his car roof had a crease from where the rack moved, and my garage frame had a dent from his seat!).

[Bike Goddess]

Speaking of carbon vs. steel- I have both. My first bike was a Jamis Quest- steel frame with carbon forks in the front and rear. It's been a great bike for me. I've ridden over 10,000 miles in two years with no problems at all.

One thing about steel- over time if you live in a wet or humid climate, it will, IF you aren't careful, have a tendency to rust at the bottom of the frame. Most steel bikes have a hole on the underneath for that very purpose- to keep water from collecting inside the tubes. My bike mechanic friend says to put some car paste wax on the frame from time to time to help it out. I need to do that at this point to preserve my frame.

I have a carbon bike from Scott.(CR 1) The difference between steel and carbon is rigidity. I am at the point in my cycling where I felt I would benefit from a higher end bike which is why I bought the Scott. However, this frame is designed for racing, so it is constructed a little differently than other carbon frames. They race a similar frame to mine in Europe and it seems to have done quite well. This is partly because of the weight. Carbon is light and rigid. Racers like that combo which is why you see carbon in the racing scene.

Most of the companies that make stock bikes have frames that are made in Taiwan. This isn't a bad thing. It's because labor is cheaper there and keeps the cost of a bike down. If you want to know more about carbon bikes and frames, check out how the manufacturers build them. I liked the Scott frame because of the way the carbon is wrapped. I don't think you need to worry about the manufacturer of the bike as much as the LBS from where you purchased the bike. That's where you will go to get any problems resolved most of the time. Specialized has been around awhile and has a great reputation so I wouldn't worry about them being big enough. Sometimes big is not necessarily good.

IF you are a beginner to cycling, I'd suggest steel. I enjoy riding my Jamis, even if it has taken a back seat to the Scott. Steel handles well and is comfortable for long rides. Try different bikes on the road to see what works best for you. That is the most important part.

[betagirl]

I'd recommend a Lemond Zurich. It's a combination of carbon and steel. And it's quite a beautiful blue (the picture on the Lemond site doesn't really give it justice. It looks more teal than blue) :D I've only had "Ferris" for less than a year, but put about 2500 miles on it last summer without any issues (knock on wood). I don't know if that would give you more "life" out of the bike having a combination frame or not. But I just thought I'd put it out there for you to chew on.

[Veronica]

...I've known [folks who] raced on Trek carbon frames (not to mention a big pro team) and they held up well thru thousands of miles of training and racing.



I think the pros have more than one frame per season. And it's not so much about the number of miles with carbon fiber, as it is about time.

V.

[Dok-torr]

Who wants a bike that lasts a lifetime anyway?
Half the fun is shopping for a new one after a few years.
The only people who want a bike to last forever are the old men at our local clubs who are riding bikes from the 70's and wear the gear to match!
I'm sorry, but technology advances in bikes as much as anywhere else and I enjoy the keeping up with it, its half the fun!
Carbon is this year's IT, in a few years it will be Magnesium. I , for one, want to be able to try it out without feeling too guilty.If you buy a frame that last forever you have no justification in moving on...
Don't you just love it, fashion, fitness and gadget all in one?

[Selkie]

Who wants a bike that lasts a lifetime anyway?
Half the fun is shopping for a new one after a few years.


I agree with you to a point,. However, if I'm going to pay $4K+ for a bike, I want it to be around for the long haul. After all, you can always upgrade components, etc., if the frame lasts. I was raised by two members of the "greatest generation" (dad served in the Army during WW2), so my parents were kids during the Depression. Therefore, I inherited their attitudes about saving/spending. I don't mind paying for quality, but I consider longevity a factor of quality. An "expensive" bike is an investment.

I consider my Luna to be my future vintage Mustang, even though it's a new bike. In other words, it'll be my classic that I envision enjoying for many years.

[VenusdeVelo]

I ride a Trek WSD 5200 (now the Madone) and love it. A great bike is so much about fit, and this fits. I tried out several women's specific, including composite frames. (I am 5'3"). Trying different bikes made the difference, when I rode the Trek I fell in love.

My HB has had his Specialized with carbon fork over 10 years and no problems whatsoever, and he is a tall rider. The issue with carbon appears to be the manufacturer who knows how to use carbon as opposed to the material itself. This is why I think you'll see conflicting views. Don't get me wrong though -- my goal is to have 3 primary bikes one of these days...carbon, steel and ti for all diff reasons (I'll need to add plutonium to that list :p ). I have aluminum also but it doesn't thrill me.

And, Mindyhubby, not sure it was mentioned but what about the new compact chainrings in lieu of a triple? I am looking to switch either this summer or next from my triple. (Terry's site had a good description -- compact -- chainset with two chainwheels; a "double" as opposed to a "triple". What makes it different from a traditional double is that it has smaller chainrings. A typical Shimano double has 39/52 rings. A new Shimano compact which will be available in January has 34/50 rings. This chainset, the FC-R700, will come in 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm crank lengths. Good news for those with shorter legs since no one else makes a compact shorter than 170mm.) I use 165 crankarms so plan on doing the Shimano compact soon.

2 more cents to add to the mix!