Quote Originally Posted by tsali911
I am looking to upgrade bikes and am struggling to decide. I really like the way the r1000 feels, but wanted to know if I would miss out by not getting a bike with carbon seat stays. Any advice? Oh, by the way...right now I ride a Cannondale R400 (all aluminum).
Since you already have the R400 which is also all aluminum, maybe you could try to work up to doing several longer rides on that and see if the road vibration gets to you. Adding a carbon fork (~$350), seat post (~$175), handlebars (~$350) and perhaps a stem ($175) can also add upwards of $1,000 to the price of your bike. How much is the difference in price between the R1000 and a similar model with carbon seat stays? Do either of those come with a carbon fork or other carbon components?

When I was shopping for my first road bike, most people advised me to get the best frame I could afford, since it's a bigger investment than the group & kit, which you can build up later. For comfort and durability, I chose a custom steel frame with a carbon fork, which I absolutely love and has been very comfy even on rides of 70-100 miles. But now that I'm becoming obsessed with climbing and with riding disgustingly long distances, I'm thinking carbon, carbon, carbon, and saving up to buy a Ti/carbon or all carbon frame.

~Cari