Affordable Carbon Bike?

[CorsairMac]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have not dared to actually test drive anything yet fearing that I will fall in love with something expensive. I will definitely test drive though before I add something to my list for Santa.

I can just about promise you you'll fall in love with the "something expensive"!!


Corsair "it's why I'm still riding vintage!" Mac

[KatieBelle]

As always, CorsairMac was right! I rode the Trek Pilot 5.0 today and fell in love. I also tried the Trek 5000 WSD, which is a sweet ride, but I like the more upright position of the Pilot. I tried the Giant OCR C3, but my left thigh rubbed against the wire to the back brakes which stuck out from the frame. The lbs did not have a Specialized Robaix Elite in my size. I will have to try another lbs to ride that one.

Right now, the Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD is my favorite. I sure hope Santa thinks I have been a good girl this year.

[newfsmith]

If you are on a budget, consider some of the Carbon-Al mix bikes. The Felt 70 comes in a 47 frame with 650 wheels, carbon seat stays and fork. I find the ride as smooth as my all-steel bikes. You have to set your riding goals and budget. If you are only going to have one bike, and are planning to do a lot of distance and some racing, then all carbon makes sense. If you are planning to commute and occasional longer rides, all carbon wouldn't be needed and a mix might be a better economic choice. Don't worry, no matter what you get when you start out, you will find something better in 2-3 years. Very few cyclists stick with one bike for their lifetime.

[Selkie]

If you can wait, I heard (not verified) that Specialized might come out with an all-carbon Dolce. Haven't seen it on their website though, so I'm not sure if my LBS guy was right about that tip. I'm saving my pennies, hoping that it's true