Carbon worth it ?

fatboypee

I got a friend who is availing of the B2W scheme and adding to it to get a decent road bike (he started triathlons and longer spins now).

The downside is the bike must come from CycleSuperstore for the B2W but can anyone help out on what to get ? He's considering carbon but not 100% sure.

The other choice is the Giant TCR 0 which is ultegra all-round but still Aluminium.

Is Carbon worth it ? If so, any recommendations in CycleSuperstore ?


Budget is around €1600 ?
Thanks

fbp.

Lumen

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=40723

fatboypee

Thanks.

cycletheroad

I'd go for an aluminum, as you said, you ll get more value for your money as opposed to a carbon frame and lower grade components.

Coronal

The difference between 105 and Ultegra is mostly weight, probably some shifting differences. Nothing that will hold anybody back. The difference between a carbon frame and an alu frame is comfort, maybe some weight again. Granted, a carbon fork will take out a lot of road buzz.

I'd say get the nicest frame you can, parts can be upgraded as desired, since it's all 10 speed. The only issue is when one buys a bike with 9 speed or lower, then everything needs to be changed in one go.

ROK ON

I'm in two minds about this. I cleaned of my alu bike the other day as I intend using it as my winter bike. I have been on it only once since April. In a way I am looking forward too getting out on it again. I have two carbon bikes (I have no idea why). One is heavier and a bit more flexi, but suits the roads that I cycle on. One looks gorgeous and is stiff and great to descend/corner on when on a good road surface. On a bad road surface full of tar and chip type roads, it is pretty uncomfortable - there is a lot of feedback. While it fits me better than my other two bikes in terms of geometry, it is less comfortable in terms of vibration through the saddle and the handlebars - that is I feel every lump on the road.

I am not sure I would buy another carbon bike given that most of the roads that I ride on are sh1te.

I think that unless bike weight is a huge factor, then you are best advised getting the best frame & fork that you can afford in terms of fit and overall comfort and then using whats left to add wheels, saddle, groupset, etc in that order.

rp

Carbon or Aluminium? Steel, please.

blorg

Carbon is well worth it and I would take lesser components any day for a carbon frame.