Carbon Fiber Frames -- Gathering info

[Crankin]

I have a Kuota Kredo carbon bike. It's an Italian manufacturer, and they are just starting to sell a lot of bikes in the US. They are mostly known for tri bikes, but mine is a regular road bike. I bought the frame and then built the rest of the components with a lot of help from my husband and the LBS. Now, I am 5' 1" with a 29 inch inseam and it's a 51 cm frame. However, my arm length is sort of average, not really short and my hands are not extra small either. I had an extensive computer generated fitting. It is not a WSD bike, but the top tube is shorter than the one I had on my Trek 5200 47 cm. Frankly, I can't figure out how this bike fits me, but it does. I got 38 cm bars, just like I had on my Trek. I can reach the drops much more easily, though, because of some change in the geometry. The big change for me were the 700 wheels. The Trek had 650s and I loved my "little" bike. However, I was always in pain. On my tour in Europe a couple of years ago, i rode a 5200, 47cm, with 700 wheels. They had changed the top tube (sloping) to accomodate the bigger wheels. It took me awhile to get used to that, too. However, I now appreciate using tubes that eveyone else uses. My bike has all Ultegra components, which are basicaly the same as the older Dura Ace I had upgraded to on my Trek. I always had shifting problems on the Trek and the Kuota it is perfect in this respect.
The bike is expensive, but I will probably have it until I die (or go to the hybrid because I am like 90 years old). And, it is a big conversation piece on group rides.

[kerrybelle]

I have the Kuota Kharma. Love it! I went with that brand because it was the only one that would fit, without a lot of adjustments. I have very long legs, but not a long torso. The seet tube was too short in all the WSD and the TT was too long in the other manufacturers non-WSD. The Kuota has nearly the same lenght TT and seat tube. Works perfect for me!

My husband has the Orbea Orca. That is a very nice bike. Orbea makes a great bike and comes with a lifetime frame warranty! They are one of the few, if not only, manufacture that has such a warranty.

Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted.

Kerry

[SouthernBelle]

FYI, my Giant also has a lifetime warranty.

[stacie]

I thought I wanted a Trek and even convinced Trek to send one in my size to my bike shop that I could try. Brought it home for a week and just never felt much for it. I discussed my concerns with the shop owner, but he knew more about what I needed than I did and never really listened. I tried a cannondale, it was okay. I tried the specialized and liked it. I wonder how much it had to do with the fact that I ride past this shop all the time and the owner was familiar with me. He really listened and spent a lot of time fitting me. He also listened when I said I liked the bike but something was missing. I knew when I threw my leg over that sweet steel ride of his that I was in love. Everyone said I was crazy but I spent every cent I planned to on a steel bike. I haven't regretted it for a minute. Funny thing is, when I starte dbike shopping years ago this same person tried to steer me towards the steel.
I guess what I'm saying is find someone who knows the industry and is willing ot get to know you and your riding style.

[velocilex]

I have a 2006 Scott Contessa CR1. I had a 53 cm Lemond Etape that never fit me correctly (pushy LBS sold me stem risers, swapped out for a child's stem, adjusted the brakes so I could reach them-- told me this was normal). I was naive and rode it for a year before I started looking for something else. When I started shopping in earnest, I worked with my LBS and began to compare geometries of different brands, so if I had to order a model that was not on-site, I would have a pretty good idea of how it would fit. I was fortunate in that I had a bike (the Lemond) whose geometry *didn't* work for me, so I had something to compare other brands to. The Scott Contessa Speedster happened to be on the floor one day and fit me like a glove-- it was better than anything else I had tried. I ended up with the carbon frame instead of the aluminum because the owner of the shop made me an outstanding offer on the CR1. Carbon is an amazing ride and I find my enjoyment of riding was boosted immensely.

[aggiecorgi]

I have the 53 cm Orbea Diva (in pink!)

http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?mi...duct&taxid=485

I just got it for Christmas and love it. My last bike was a Giant aluminum TCR0, and I could really tell a difference in the amount of vibration I felt between the two. I must say if you do like the Giants the TCR geometry was nice. The Orbea is my first women specific frame. My "personal" geometry is different than most women though, as I have a long torso and shorter legs for a girl. I'm 5'8" so that probably makes a big difference too.