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 ) 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?

[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?

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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.