Carbon Fiber Frames -- Gathering info

[Derf]

For those of you that have carbon fiber frames, I'm interested in finding out what brand you have, why you choose that specific brand and what type of riding you do. I am just starting to look and would love to know what other women are riding. LBS is really big on the Specialized Ruby. Thanks!

[Eden]

As you probably know from other threads I have a 44cm Ruby Pro. I bought the Ruby because last year it was really the one and only small, high quality race bike available for someone my size without going custom. I figured if I was going to upgrade going with another aluminium bike wasn't really what I would want to do and that was pretty much what all other bikes in my size were- I wanted the new one to be one that I wouldn't feel the need to upgrade again in a year. I was looking to lose some weight (about 4lbs from my old bike so not insignificant) and get a component upgrade. Also, as I race, I really wanted to stick with standard equipment, so not having to have 650c wheels was a real plus - I have no probs with fit, toe overlap or strange/sluggish/twitchy handling, no matter what other people think about 700's on a small bike.
With the success of the Ruby last year - they were very popular and it was difficult to get hold of one (plus the very small sizes were produced in rather small quantities- my 44cm Ruby Pro is one of 9...) there are more companies producing high performance bikes for us smaller folks. I'm not in the market for a new bike, so I haven't really looked, but I've heard other big names are getting into the small bike market. I've heard that even Pinarello has a 43cm women's frame this year.

[spokewench]

I ride a Giant TCR Carbon. I used to race, but no longer race on the road. However, I still very much appreciate a lightweight climber. It helps me out a lot. A few years ago, I was sponsored by Giant - and no I'm no expert racer or anything - and I was given a Giant TCR Carbon frame to ride. I ride a small frame. It was great; it fit me well and I like the way it handles. It is a crazy great climbing bike! The only issues I have with and they are probably caused more by my aero spokes than anything else is that it really moves in the wind. Some of that probably can be attributed to the weight of the bike as well. That took a little getting used to.

Anyway, I really liked this bike, had all the components for a nice bike when I gave the frame back to the sponsor so I went out and bought one just like it. I've been riding bikes for almost 20 years so I am a good bike handler and like the quick feel of this bike. Some might not like that.

If I had not known that I really like the Giant, I might have ended up with a Specialized Carbon - they seem to be really nice bikes as well.

[Eden]

If I had not known that I really like the Giant, I might have ended up with a Specialized Carbon - they seem to be really nice bikes as well.

I've heard from a Giant dealer that they are both (Giant & Specialized) made in the same factory, which is owned by Giant.... (though they do have differing geometries) I did not go with Giant since even their XS has a very long TT length - at least too long for me.

[KSH]

I have a Specialized Tarmac Expert, 49CM, XS.

I picked it simply because I wanted:

1) A bike that was fast and responsive and that WOW'ed me the test ride- which is did!

2) A bike that was full carbon- which it was, except for the handlebars, but I put my carbon ones on already.

3) A bike with full Ultegra components- not a mix, but full- and it had that too.

4) A bike with a nice color scheme- and it was so pretty!

I test rode the Giant carbon, but was't WOW'ed by the ride. I also test rode the Ruby and liked it as much as the Tarmac... but it was $400 more... so I took it out of the running.

Thus far, I have only ridden my Tarmac 25 miles... dang weather! But so far... so good.

[roadie gal]

I have a Sampson Diablo set up as a tri bike. (In fact, it's the one on their web site.) I went with Sampson because I have one of their ti Silvertons and love it. Their bikes fit me perfectly.

I have also been extremely happy dealing with Eric Sampson. When you call to talk to them about getting a bike he's the one that answers the phone. He doesn't try to sell you anything. He chats about your style of riding, the road conditions, and any special needs you have. I called about 6 times before I ordered the bike. He was always very nice, never short or pushy.

I like the feel of their carbon bike. I had tried a Trek a few years ago and thought it was like riding a block of wood. The Sampson is much more responsive, but still dampens the vibration of the miserable roads we have around here.

I live in the mountains of NorCal. There is no flat. Everything is either UP or DOWN. This bike handles very well, even with the tri bar setup. It's nice and stiff without being abusive.

It was a *bit* more expensive than a lot of bikes. But it's spec's are top shelf. And I figure if I stop doing tris I can put some regular drop bars on it and use it as a roady.

[emily_in_nc]

I have a carbon Aegis Swift. They are made in Maine (I liked the fact that it was made in the USA). I bought the frame on eBay and had it built up with Campy Chorus and an FSA Compact Carbon Pro crankset in 2004. I believe Aegis still makes the Swift, but the price of a new one is high since you buy the frame/fork separately and then pick a build kit and wheels, so the price can skyrocket very quickly. I was only able to afford to build mine because I got the frame/fork for 2/3 off retail through ebay. It was a leftover (never built) 1999 model from a small California bike shop. The newer frames are lighter than what I have.

The frame comes in 44, 46, and 48 cm sizes only (or at least through 2005 or so it did; haven't checked since) and takes 650c wheels. I ride the 46 cm size but would probably have done better on the 44 as the standover is minimal. I am 5'2.5" with a 28.5" inseam.

Emily

[Mimosa]

As you can see in my sig I ordered a Stevens SCF1 Carbon frame (56 cm) which is a german brand. It's designed in germany but manufactured somewhere in asia (like a lot of carbon frames). I choose that one because of the price/weight ratio and because I found loads of good reviews/tests about this frame (and I fell in love with the -almost- white colour). If what people say is true then it's a good responsive, fast, strong and comfortable frame. And it must be since I will drive mostly crits with it.

They (stevens) got a customization program but I stuck with what I knew and choose the put full Shimano Ultegra on it with Pro components (a daughter brand of shimano). I will post some pics when I get the bike which should be in a matter of weeks.

[Batbike]

For those of you that have carbon fiber frames, I'm interested in finding out what brand you have, why you choose that specific brand and what type of riding you do. I am just starting to look and would love to know what other women are riding. LBS is really big on the Specialized Ruby. Thanks!

No matter what you buy, please make sure the geometry fits you! The Specialized Ruby is a great bike, but if LBS is pushing it because that is what they sell versus the geometry fits you, than no matter how great the bike is made, you will not be happy! You should fit the bike, not the bike "can be adjusted" to fit you! So, with that being said, know your geometry, determine what type of riding style you like -- comfortable rec, agressive race, or comfortable no matter what you are doing! I say this because with geometry it is good to know what angles fit you -- head and seat. Of course, then there are components -- again, what are you going to do with the bike and how much do you want to spend? I say this, because many manufacturers make WOMEN SPECIFIC frames with down-graded, heavier components, so make sure you get what you want! However, it all starts with geometry -- know your fit and then start looking at frames!

[Eden]

I say this, because many manufacturers make WOMEN SPECIFIC frames with down-graded, heavier components, so make sure you get what you want!

this was one of my big draws to the Ruby Pro - (besides that it would actually fit me ) - it has just as good technology and components as the boys (and the taller gals) can get - which was rare if not unheard of in most "women specific" bikes. For some reason before last year it was assumed that if you needed a small bike you would not be interested in a light, fast machine, that you would need a triple and that you wouldn't be willing to spend to much bux on your bike.

[Trekhawk]

I have two carbon bikes a 48 sloping Colnago C50 and 50 Trek 5000. I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains so not much flat riding near home. I did my first century last year and Im doing a 200 km brevet in March. I love my bikes. The Trek was my first road bike and the model I have was the last year the 5000 was made in the USA it has been a great bike. My C50 is an Italian beauty that rides like a dream.

Good luck with the bike shopping.

[Aggie_Ama]

I ride a 2007 Cannondale Synapse 3- Women's Specific Design. Here is why I went with it:

1. Price- it fit my budget.
2. Fit- The only adjustment needed was with the saddle height. I don't corner really tightly, but I haven't experienced toe overlap.
3. Purpose- I enjoy mostly long rides, I wanted to be comfortable. I also wanted something snappy on hills, because that is all we have here. My longest ride to date on her is a hilly 54 miler and it felt great.
4. The shop I know and love sells Felt, Cannondale, Orbea and some other things I can only dream of. The one that sells Specialized has great selection, but is really big and looking at bikes felt cold there. Service after the sale was an influencing factor.
5. And the frivalous reason- it looked a lot sweeter than other carbon bikes in my budget.

Whatever you pick, pick what you want. If the LBS is pushing one thing, make sure it is what you want to ride. I wanted a triple despite the snobby attitude they get. I am going to feel bad about needing that little ring when I am at the base of a steep hill. 300 miles on my bike so far and I am happy!

[Derf]

I have a carbon Aegis Swift. They are made in Maine (I liked the fact that it was made in the USA). I bought the frame on eBay and had it built up with Campy Chorus and an FSA Compact Carbon Pro crankset in 2004. I believe Aegis still makes the Swift, but the price of a new one is high since you buy the frame/fork separately and then pick a build kit and wheels, so the price can skyrocket very quickly. I was only able to afford to build mine because I got the frame/fork for 2/3 off retail through ebay. It was a leftover (never built) 1999 model from a small California bike shop. The newer frames are lighter than what I have.

The frame comes in 44, 46, and 48 cm sizes only (or at least through 2005 or so it did; haven't checked since) and takes 650c wheels. I ride the 46 cm size but would probably have done better on the 44 as the standover is minimal. I am 5'2.5" with a 28.5" inseam.

Emily

Those look VERY nice. I am 5'3 and currently have a 50 cm Cannondale with 700c wheels. I wonder how it would be to go to the 650c wheels.

[emily_in_nc]

Those look VERY nice. I am 5'3 and currently have a 50 cm Cannondale with 700c wheels. I wonder how it would be to go to the 650c wheels.

I doubt you'd notice any difference at all. Smaller wheels actually accelerate slightly faster, and are lighter in weight. The downside is that not many other cyclists carry 650 tubes, so you have to make absolutely sure you have a tube with you (two if you're paranoid, or a patch kit) at all times. And the tires don't come in snazzy colors; they're mostly black or gray last time I checked.

It's easier to avoid toe overlap with smaller frame sizes and 650c's, though I actually have a little overlap on my Aegis since the top tube is short. I love the bike, though.

Emily

[Aggie_Ama]

IN a pinch you can force a 700 tube into a 650 wheel. My old bike had 650s and one day I had 2 flats and no patch kit. A mechanic happened to drive by with a 700 tube. You don't want go long on it though.

Emily- the cons you listed is what I hated about 650's. Otherwise, I was less paranoid about toe overlap with them.