New Bike - Is Carbon a must? (Page 2)
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2008-08-19 6:42 PM in reply to: #1614579 |
Expert 939 Tulsa | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? vrljc - 2008-08-19 4:41 PM gleser - 2008-08-19 11:19 AM like many materials Carbon does have a life - it is shorter than Alum and other metals What is the lifespan of a carbon frame vs an aluminum frame?I think if you keep a bike long enough for the "lifespan" question to pop up then its time for a new bike lol. |
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2008-08-19 6:50 PM in reply to: #1614741 |
Expert 655 Muncie, IN | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? ballyard7 - 2008-08-19 7:42 PM vrljc - 2008-08-19 4:41 PM gleser - 2008-08-19 11:19 AM like many materials Carbon does have a life - it is shorter than Alum and other metals What is the lifespan of a carbon frame vs an aluminum frame?I think if you keep a bike long enough for the "lifespan" question to pop up then its time for a new bike lol. I don't know...I've heard that the carbon won't last as long either. Does anyone know if this is and issue with the newer bikes or something from the early days of carbon frame? I can say though that this bike will need to last me 5 years! |
2008-08-19 7:05 PM in reply to: #1613263 |
Extreme Veteran 510 Louisville KY | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Steel is real. I know I'm old |
2008-08-19 7:53 PM in reply to: #1614750 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? jmickle11 - 2008-08-19 7:50 PM I don't know...I've heard that the carbon won't last as long either. Does anyone know if this is and issue with the newer bikes or something from the early days of carbon frame? I can say though that this bike will need to last me 5 years! There is no "lifespan" issue. Materials fatigue, yes. But for the amount of abuse it would take to fatigue a bike frame beyond use is a phenomonal amount. Back in the day some manufacturers would only warranty their carbon stuff for 5 years. That was more of a manufacturing issue in that they did not trust their own lay-ups and clear coating. As more and more manufacturers built with it, the learning curve went up exponentially. And when you hire away aerospace engineers from Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Grumman to design and build your bikes, you tend to end up with some pretty sturdy desings ........ |
2008-08-19 8:51 PM in reply to: #1614845 |
Master 1410 White Plains NY | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Daremo - 2008-08-19 8:53 PM There is no "lifespan" issue. Materials fatigue, yes. But for the amount of abuse it would take to fatigue a bike frame beyond use is a phenomonal amount. Back in the day some manufacturers would only warranty their carbon stuff for 5 years. That was more of a manufacturing issue in that they did not trust their own lay-ups and clear coating. As more and more manufacturers built with it, the learning curve went up exponentially. And when you hire away aerospace engineers from Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Grumman to design and build your bikes, you tend to end up with some pretty sturdy desings ........ thank you |
2008-08-19 10:53 PM in reply to: #1613263 |
Master 1826 | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? jmickle11 - 2008-08-19 10:56 AM I'm looking for perfomance gains based mostly on getting a proper fit. I have comfort issues with my road bike now and hoping that a new tri bike will at the very least reduce fatigue on the bike and then run. This to me is the most important fact in your original post.. what interests me is that you throw out three bikes around $2500 that all have different geometries.. if you want to truly buy a bike based on fit.. buy the bike that best matches your body geometry.. not making your body match the bikes geometry.. to do this get your fit checked and then look what bikes are available that are close and go form there. |
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2008-08-20 6:39 AM in reply to: #1614741 |
Expert 630 Frisco TX (DFW area) | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. |
2008-08-20 6:55 AM in reply to: #1615455 |
Elite 3770 | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. seriously?? where can we see that information? are there any longitudinal studies? b/c I have never heard this...if you go to any bike store, they will tell you carbon is king. I want to ride my alum Cervelo then ride a P2C back to back to see about comfort, my primary concern, since I know both fit me, but I'm really concerned about the lifespan. For $2500, the bike better last me 5-7 years. |
2008-08-20 7:04 AM in reply to: #1615478 |
Expert 630 Frisco TX (DFW area) | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? turtlegirl - 2008-08-20 6:55 AM gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. seriously?? where can we see that information? are there any longitudinal studies? b/c I have never heard this...if you go to any bike store, they will tell you carbon is king. I want to ride my alum Cervelo then ride a P2C back to back to see about comfort, my primary concern, since I know both fit me, but I'm really concerned about the lifespan. For $2500, the bike better last me 5-7 years.
Again this is coming from a sales rep -but - the issue is flexing and weight, some Carbon frames do not recommend anyone over 200 lbs. The sales rep said he is starting to see more carbon bikes coming in with breaks etc than he has before. I believe it has to do with the rider and the stress that that rider puts on the bike. I have seen many in our Tri Group have Carbon bikes now for over 3 years without an issue - Carbon is the king now due to the weight and many pro's ride only carbon on race day's - I love the feel of a stiff bike, I ride hills, and I am over 200 lbs - so I did not go Carbon - but - I love the new frames and styles of the carbon bikes. |
2008-08-20 7:20 AM in reply to: #1613263 |
Expert 655 Muncie, IN | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? All I know is if I spend $2500 on a bike It better last me a heck of a lot more than 3000 miles! I weigh 150 so I doubt that I'd stress it too much. You guys are talking me right into sticking with Aluminum!!! |
2008-08-20 7:28 AM in reply to: #1615455 |
Davenport, IA | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. Those sound like numbers pulled straight from his a**. No manufacturer would put out a bike that would only last 1500 miles. Talk about bad publicity. There are a lot of people on here who ride more than that in a quarter. Lets ask them if their carbon bikes have broken. And some brands do carry a lifetime warranty on their frames. I know my carbon Giant has a lifetime warrantied frame, as do the Cervelo's I've been looking at. |
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2008-08-20 7:40 AM in reply to: #1615517 |
Expert 630 Frisco TX (DFW area) | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Sprint_DA - 2008-08-20 7:28 AM gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. Those sound like numbers pulled straight from his a**. No manufacturer would put out a bike that would only last 1500 miles. Talk about bad publicity. There are a lot of people on here who ride more than that in a quarter. Lets ask them if their carbon bikes have broken. And some brands do carry a lifetime warranty on their frames. I know my carbon Giant has a lifetime warrantied frame, as do the Cervelo's I've been looking at. You are correct and make sure they have a warranty - I really think it is the rider putting more stress on the bike then normal - but check and see how many they have taken back, make sure they have a record of selling Carbon (not new to it) because some MFG have quit making them (Litespeed) - I also believe Trek has a lifetime warranty - but I have never read any of the warranties - It would be interesting to see what is covered under warranty. |
2008-08-20 7:57 AM in reply to: #1615517 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Sprint_DA - 2008-08-20 8:28 AM gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. Those sound like numbers pulled straight from his a**. No manufacturer would put out a bike that would only last 1500 miles. Talk about bad publicity. There are a lot of people on here who ride more than that in a quarter. Lets ask them if their carbon bikes have broken. And some brands do carry a lifetime warranty on their frames. I know my carbon Giant has a lifetime warrantied frame, as do the Cervelo's I've been looking at. ^ What he said. That rep is just full of sh-t. I've worked with reps for years and not a single one ever said anything even close to as assinine as that! |
2008-08-20 8:09 AM in reply to: #1615571 |
Master 1826 | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Daremo - 2008-08-20 8:57 AM Sprint_DA - 2008-08-20 8:28 AM gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. Those sound like numbers pulled straight from his a**. No manufacturer would put out a bike that would only last 1500 miles. Talk about bad publicity. There are a lot of people on here who ride more than that in a quarter. Lets ask them if their carbon bikes have broken. And some brands do carry a lifetime warranty on their frames. I know my carbon Giant has a lifetime warrantied frame, as do the Cervelo's I've been looking at. ^ What he said. That rep is just full of sh-t. I've worked with reps for years and not a single one ever said anything even close to as assinine as that! If I hit my planned mileage .. that would be two frames for me this year |
2008-08-20 8:26 AM in reply to: #1615455 |
Member 24 | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 7:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. What!!!!!!!!!!!!???? Think about what your saying. So if I ride 100 miles per week, which is very little (2x25mi during the week, 1x50mi weekend) I'm buying a new frame every 5 months? You sure your not leaving off a couple zeros? |
2008-08-20 8:34 AM in reply to: #1615455 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 6:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. Yeah, if I'm As a buyer, no way can you expect me to purchase two or three frames per year. |
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2008-08-20 8:51 AM in reply to: #1613263 |
Davenport, IA | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? I'm probably going to be going out on a limb here, but I would assume that there are people out there with way more than 1500 miles on a set of carbon wheels. If wheels can handle that abuse, the frame darn sure should be able to. |
2008-08-20 8:53 AM in reply to: #1615661 |
Expert 630 Frisco TX (DFW area) | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? I am doing a Saturday ride - I will talk to the tech in the back - see what he has to say - since he is the one who would have to work on the bikes. |
2008-08-20 8:58 AM in reply to: #1615716 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 9:53 AM I am doing a Saturday ride - I will talk to the tech in the back - see what he has to say - since he is the one who would have to work on the bikes. Take it for what it is worth, but I was a salesmen and mechanic and was in charge of the service department of 3 different shops over 5 years .......... so I do have just a little bit of experience on the subject. |
2008-08-20 9:20 AM in reply to: #1615455 |
Expert 657 Portland | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 7:39 AM True if you keep it a life time you should look at getting a new one - but - (you knew it was coming) - The rule of thumb is about 1500 to 2000 miles for a carbon bike - that is what the LBS Rep said who sells them as compared to 3000 on up on Alum or Steel - this is also not based on how hard you ride, hills etc. I think you need to add a zero to those numbers Then you might be in the ballpark. |
2008-08-20 10:01 AM in reply to: #1615738 |
Master 1404 Atlanta, Ga | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Daremo - 2008-08-20 9:58 AM gleser - 2008-08-20 9:53 AM I am doing a Saturday ride - I will talk to the tech in the back - see what he has to say - since he is the one who would have to work on the bikes. Take it for what it is worth, but I was a salesmen and mechanic and was in charge of the service department of 3 different shops over 5 years .......... so I do have just a little bit of experience on the subject. That's a lot of Job changes in a short amount of time. Tell me, do you work well with others? Also, What is your biggest weakness, and where do you see yourself in 5 years? |
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2008-08-20 10:21 AM in reply to: #1615951 |
Elite 2527 Armpit of Ontario | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? atl_runner - 2008-08-20 11:01 AM Daremo - 2008-08-20 9:58 AM Take it for what it is worth, but I was a salesmen and mechanic and was in charge of the service department of 3 different shops over 5 years .......... so I do have just a little bit of experience on the subject. That's a lot of Job changes in a short amount of time. Tell me, do you work well with others? Also, What is your biggest weakness, and where do you see yourself in 5 years? LMAO!
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2008-08-20 11:20 AM in reply to: #1615951 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? atl_runner - 2008-08-20 11:01 AM That's a lot of Job changes in a short amount of time. Tell me, do you work well with others? Also, What is your biggest weakness, and where do you see yourself in 5 years? Volatility of retail establishments (one shop closed the bike portion, the other I was working at as a favor to a teammate until I got the 3rd one). My swim. At Kona ............ |
2008-08-20 11:20 AM in reply to: #1616027 |
Expert 630 Frisco TX (DFW area) | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? Well not to add any more fuel to the fire - I found a carbon fiber MFG on the internet - sent him an email about Carbon Fiber and the life of it compared to Alum for example: Here is his response: Dear Grady,
so under normal use you should be fine - |
2008-08-20 11:40 AM in reply to: #1616255 |
Master 1826 | Subject: RE: New Bike - Is Carbon a must? gleser - 2008-08-20 12:20 PM Well not to add any more fuel to the fire - I found a carbon fiber MFG on the internet - sent him an email about Carbon Fiber and the life of it compared to Alum for example: Here is his response: Dear Grady,
so under normal use you should be fine - That is not really fuel.. it is well known that if you crack a Carbon Fiber frame you can toss it |
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