Carbon Fiber Frames

[Dogmama]

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 ).

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?

[OakLeaf]

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.

[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.

[Dogmama]

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. 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.

[eatrn]

You will not regret it. I love my Madone 6.2

[Miranda]

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.

[Dogmama]

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.

[Norse]

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.