Frame Materials

So I decided to plunk down some hard-earned dollars for a lightweight road bike. I own a touring bike that I absolutely love--it's comfy, accessorized just the way I like it, and dependable. But...it ain't no feather, kwim?

So I've been eyeing a Bianchi Veloce at the LBS, test-rode it several times, and talked to the shop owner/wrench/salesman about making some adjustments, swapping out some things like pedals and saddle. I'm amazed that both the Veloce and my touring bike are steel, but the Veloce feels so much more light and, what's more important, somehow livelier, if that makes any sense. LBS guy explained that Bianchi uses variable thicknesses, ovalized tubes (which you can actually see), and also this bike has a carbon fork. All of which adds up to that livelier ride that I'm so impressed with. Plus, since it's a 2005, he offered a whopping discount. So I put down a little deposit and will pick up the bike in about another month or so.

OK, so since then, I've had a guy tell me that I should've ridden a carbon-frame bike before I committed to the Veloce. Maybe that's true for some people, but honestly, I don't have a mint to spend on a bike, and the Veloce is such a huge change from my current bike that I expect to be pretty happy with it. On the other hand, this carbon-frame fan has got me doubting my decision.

So I'm looking for some ideas about this steel-frame/carbon-frame issue. I've never ridden a carbon frame bike and probably couldn't afford one, plus I've already put a deposit on the Veloce. So I guess I really just want someone to say, "You'll be fine with the steel bike--quit your worrying." ;)

JuJu,

You'll be fine with the Veloce--it is a great bike!

Don't second guess--stay in your budget and enjoy an awesome bike!

(btw: I ride steel w/carbon fork, been VERY happy for 5 years, and I test rode a carbon frame! No regrets for me w/sticking w/in my budget and having a road bike I love!)

Stella

I love my steel/carbon bike. Carbon frame is really overkill without appreciable benefits over steel/carbon.

Don't second guess yourself. Life is too short!

My 2005 Veloce is a great bike. I tried out several carbon bikes before I bought her, but the steel Veloce just felt right. Enjoy your new ride.

I prefer steel. Carbon flexes too much for me (and I'm a small rider.) If my steel bike cracks, I can get it fixed easily.

Tell "that guy" to hang it in his ear. Then blow his doors off on your new bike! You're going to love it!

I just bought a 2005 Veloce, and I love it! My DH, who knows much more about bikes than I do, advised me that a steel bike would be a good choice because of its feel, and the fact that it can be repaired if necessary. His favorite is titanium, but that is $$$ and not that easily repaired either. Also, the Campy components are so nice--I really like how my hands fit. I'm sure you will love your Veloce too:D By the way, what color is yours? Mine is celeste. I named her Sasha:cool:

All right! You women always know just what to say--I'm feeling better already.

WrensMom, Sasha is such a cool name for a bike! My Veloce is that gorgeous classic Bianchi celeste color too, which I've loved and lusted after for years. Even my Terry Symmetry, which was devoured by Hurricane Ivan, was a close approximation of Bianchi's celeste color.

Now, a name. Hmm.... My touring bike is named after me: Bad JuJu (my armed forces radio call sign, from another life ;) ). Guess this is something I need to think about. Stay tuned.... Any ideas?

I'll chime in too... steel is great. I haven't had a carbon frame - my Colnago was and my Gunnar is steel with carbon forks.

Well, I used to think my Bridgestone RB-1 steel frame that I owned forever was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I owned an aluminum stiff mountain bike and didn't ever want to subject myself to the battery on an aluminum roadbike. I knew the Steel Frame was heavy but it fit me like a glove and for flat riding was the best thing ever. But, as you all know, every ride is not flat! So last year, I was able to ride a carbon bike (borrowed) Giant TCR. Oooh Laa Laa! I can FLY UP HILL NOW! It rides really comfortably also. The only thing that I notice about it is that it sometimes scary in the wind (especially sidewinds) which is exacerbated by the wheels I run but the fact that the bike is light weight and I am pretty light weight can make it difficult to handle in the wind (I live in Northern Arizona and we have WIND!) So, when I had to return the borrowed Giant, I went out and bought a GIANT - TMobile frame. I love my bike! I'm even going to sell the Steel Bridgestone and I never thought I would do that.

Just did the Bicycle Tour of Colorado and I'm glad I had the wonderful light Giant on all those passes!

Keep riding no matter what - enjoy the bike you have - it the ride that counts not the bike!:D

I have a steel bike too, a Bianchi Veloce. It has a carbon fork, I was talked into keeping the fork carbon too. I hope "they" are right. I trust steel a lot more than carbon, i have had friends recently who are having troubles with their carbon components; handlebars (carbon!!) broke, and a carbon crank broke too.
Good old steel. good enough for me, and feels good.
enjoy your new bike.

Quote:

---

Now, a name. Hmm.... My touring bike is named after me: Bad JuJu (my armed forces radio call sign, from another life ). Guess this is something I need to think about. Stay tuned.... Any ideas?

---

Well, I was originally thinking about the name Francesca for mine, but she kind of "told" me that her name was Sasha instead;) Maybe yours is Francesca though?