Carbon Fiber Frames

DH is pushing hard for me to buy a bike for Christmas (before you think I'm very lucky (I am) know that it gets him out of the mall for Christmas :p).

Titanium is nice but I don't want to wait for a custom bike - plus if it doesn't fit it's a 50/50 deal - I own both halves. So, I'm looking at carbon fiber.

It seems like there are various ways that carbon fiber is made. For example, on the Trek website, they say that the Madone 6.0 series has their high end carbon fiber frame. But, what does that mean? How is it made? Am I over-thinking this? :o

I think Trek still makes their OCLV carbon frames in the USA - although their website carefully avoids saying that, so it's probably "many" or "most" of their OCLV frames are USA-made.

Other than that I really don't know anything about it ... I expect there is a real difference in stiffness-to-weight and flex tuning, but how advanced a rider you'd have to be to notice the difference, I have no idea.

Trek makes tons of CF frames but only the 6 Series is made in USA (the Project One bikes are only 6 or Speed Concepts).

Your question about different CF though, is a 'big' one, in regards to 'how it's made'. The 6 Series are a smaller production run, according to orders received. Trek has a small core staff of cutters/layup and finishing staff, but will hire on extra hands as needed. The material cost of the frame isn't that much greater than the 600 or 700 OCLV, but of course, the cost for American workers is higher.

You should consider a Project One - they are offering a rebate! Plus you get to customise your bike.

ALso, be sure you understand which 'fit' you want: H1, H2 or H3.

Trek's Madone 6 series is made in the U.S. using a form of carbon fiber tech they use for NASA. The 5 series is made in Taiwan and the carbon is a slight step down but you would probably not notice much of a difference. For me, I like the "plushness" feel carbon gives while still being very stiff.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Abarnes

Trek makes tons of CF frames but only the 6 Series is made in USA (the Project One bikes are only 6 or Speed Concepts).

Your question about different CF though, is a 'big' one, in regards to 'how it's made'. The 6 Series are a smaller production run, according to orders received. Trek has a small core staff of cutters/layup and finishing staff, but will hire on extra hands as needed. The material cost of the frame isn't that much greater than the 600 or 700 OCLV, but of course, the cost for American workers is higher.

You should consider a Project One - they are offering a rebate! Plus you get to customise your bike.

ALso, be sure you understand which 'fit' you want: H1, H2 or H3.

---

I just spent some time at our local Trek store. Rode the 5.2 Madone WSD, no 6.2's in stock. Blown away with the handling & quickness. I guess they've changed a lot in 17 years & a steel bike. :p When I stood on it, it almost came out from underneath me.

I am seriously looking at a 6.2 Project One because I can get it with electronic shifting. I have arthritis in my hands & those little button shifters are VERY cool. I saw it in action and will start a new thread on that.

You will not regret it. I love my Madone 6.2

My Trek bike is my hard trail mtb, alum. I love her for what she is. My xc bike is alum- love it also for what it is. And my roadie is carbon, an Orbea. I love love love my carbon roadie! My riding partner has a Trek roadie and likes it. Carbon sucks up the road, vs your body (like alum). You will love it.:cool:

I was very happy with my Madone 4.7 until the top tube mysteriously cracked for no apparent reason.

I still think that carbon fiber is strong in theory. But I wonder if mass produced carbon fiber bike frames are less strong than some other things. I certainly hope the carbon fiber jumbo jets being made by Boeing are stronger than a Madone 4.7...

:( This scares me a lot....I have a new 3.1! :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eatrn

You will not regret it. I love my Madone 6.2

---

I like the 6.2 primarily because it is US made and the carbon fiber is a high quality. The WSD is cool because the handlebars actually fit my hands. Plus, I can pick out my colors, gruppo, etc. I'm working with the store owner who races & has been involved with Trek for 20 years.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dogmama

I like the 6.2 primarily because it is US made and the carbon fiber is a high quality. The WSD is cool because the handlebars actually fit my hands. Plus, I can pick out my colors, gruppo, etc. I'm working with the store owner who races & has been involved with Trek for 20 years.

---

I love my 6.2 and really liked being able to pick out the color scheme, components, and liked that it was made in neighboring WI.... I need to get around to posting pics on here.

I still have my 2004 5200 Trek (precursor to the 5 Series) which is my foul weather and trainer bike. The carbon on that bike has held up with no problems. I did notice a BIG difference in jump and responsiveness when I test road the new 5 series compared to my '04. The bike DID practically take off from under me.

I about this <> close to putting down a large chunk of change for the Madone. It would have Ultegra electronic shifters, which the mechanics seem to like better than Dura Ace. It adds $1,300 to the bike as opposed to $3,200 for Dura Ace & the mechanics like Ultegra better. The basic color would be dark forest green and the flames would be dark-grape purple. Sounds weird but very handsome on the bike.

Dogmama,
If - I mean when - you get this bike- you gotta promise to call me to go on a ride with you. I'm still probably slower than you, but I want to see you flying and enjoying it in person!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by azfiddle

Dogmama,
If - I mean when - you get this bike- you gotta promise to call me to go on a ride with you. I'm still probably slower than you, but I want to see you flying and enjoying it in person!!!

---

You got it!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dogmama

The basic color would be dark forest green and the flames would be dark-grape purple. Sounds weird but very handsome on the bike.

---

that sounds awesome! you must post photos *when* you get it! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dogmama

I about this <> close to putting down a large chunk of change for the Madone. It would have Ultegra electronic shifters, which the mechanics seem to like better than Dura Ace. It adds $1,300 to the bike as opposed to $3,200 for Dura Ace & the mechanics like Ultegra better. The basic color would be dark forest green and the flames would be dark-grape purple. Sounds weird but very handsome on the bike.

---

Cool! My color scheme is white, black and gold (must post pics). My LBS guy talked me out of Dura Ace (non-electronic) and I stayed with Ultegra. He said you pay a lot of $$$ for what amounts to a small weight difference that only matters if you're racing and you really won't notice any difference in shifting smoothness/quickness. I like my LBS. :)

Ordered it today - whew! 24-34 days out. Is this what childbirth is like? :p

CONGRATS! Can't wait to see pictures!

Exciting!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jyyanks

CONGRATS! Can't wait to see pictures!

---

+1 ya, pics... we need those lol...

Fwiw, with my Orbea I had a bad crash that left me with some permanent impairment to my body, BUT, my bike survived in the carbon department. The carbon frame was fine. Even the carbon cages didn't eject either full water bottle as the bike 360ed and landed on top of me, then crashed into the pavement at 23mph, last speed recorded on my Garmin.

It's not a Trek, obviously. Orbea's are main in Spain. But just sayin.

Congrats on ordering your new bike.:cool:

Congratulations on the new bike. I can not wait to see it.

New bike anticipation is a wonderful thing!