carbon vs alu superlight

AnswerIs42

Hi,

I was wondering if carbon is still worth the extra money over other materials such as ALU super lite.

Example super lite:
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=57476

Cheapest carbon bike on that site:
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=54974

The first bike is 150 euro cheaper and has a better group set and is only half a kilo heavier.

Is there some other reason to go with the carbon?

Mr.Fred

AnswerIs42 wrote: »

Hi,

I was wondering if carbon is still worth the extra money over other materials such as ALU super lite.

Example super lite:
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=57476

Cheapest carbon bike on that site:
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=54974

The first bike is 150 euro cheaper and has a better group set and is only half a kilo heavier.

Is there some other reason to go with the carbon?

I think the carbon frames soak up the road buzz a bit better but I'd rather have a quality allu frame with a better group set.

Seweryn

AnswerIs42 wrote: »

Hi,

Is there some other reason to go with the carbon?

None. Get a good aluminium bike and enjoy it .

AnswerIs42

Thanks guys.....think I'll go with the first bike alright.

Seweryn

AnswerIs42 wrote: »

Thanks guys.....think I'll go with the first bike alright.

You can also consider this one, which costs slightly less and has a very nice frameset.

AnswerIs42

Is there a difference between ALU superlite and CAAD8 frame or is it all the same basically?

Seaneh

Aye, I'd imagine the CAAD8 is probably the slightly better frame.

AnswerIs42

Cool so, I'll look at that too then.

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated

Dotsie~tmp

Biggest thing that would keep me off carbon is that I couldnt afford to replace it if it broke in a small crash which alu might survive. If money wasnt a concern I probably would.

Gallant_JJ

This is something I had also wondered. Take these two bike for example, that I am considering. They are nigh on the same weight, and the same spec. Any one any opinions as to which I should go for?

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose-xeon-rs-3000-663369/aid:663445

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose-xeon-crs-3000-662292/aid:662327

Dotsie~tmp

Gallant_JJ wrote: »

This is something I had also wondered. Take these two bike for example, that I am considering. They are nigh on the same weight, and the same spec. Any one any opinions as to which I should go for?

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose-xeon-rs-3000-663369/aid:663445

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose-xeon-crs-3000-662292/aid:662327

I'd go alu and spend the other 400 on cloths and gear but thats just me. I'd say any difference in weight most people could stand to lose in flab a few times over.

AltAccount

I've taken my first few spins on a carbon frame and I'm amazed at how comfortable it is over alu I've ridden. Given the same choice again I reckon I'd happily swap a bit of spec for the frame upgrade.


....although ask me again after I've crashed it

route66

This is what Rose say about the 2 frame materials:

You can choose between lightweight carbon in various material qualities or perfectly manufactured aluminium. Carbon frames are generally lighter and more comfortable, because they offer more shock-absorption. Advantages of aluminium frames include their robustness and price. What’s more our ROSE aluminium frames don’t weigh much than carbon frames anymore.