All Questions
25 questions
5
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Reconciling the two aspects: carbon is stiffer for power, but offers a softer ride
At times composite (carbon) is touted as being stiffer than (aluminum) alloys as well as stiffer than steel (leaving Titanium to a different discussion).
This means that the frame will not yield (much)...
- 10.4k
0
votes
3
answers
329
views
Should I upgrade my entry-level bike?
I bought a Cannondale Quick CX4 last year, but I’m not fully satisfied. I want something more robust, fast on the trail, and a better gear set. I’m still eligible to exchange my bike within one year (...
- 11
3
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Aluminium Aerobars on Carbon Handelbars
Since I want to build up a new bike with road or gravel handelbars and aerobars I try to get as much information about it as possible.
Now I have just watched a video where the person in it says (at ...
- 809
2
votes
0
answers
65
views
Should the seatpost clamp be installed backward for a carbon seatpost in an aluminum frame? [duplicate]
Is it true that the seatpost clamp must be installed backward (i.e. its slot facing the handlebars) or at least with a slight offset to avoid aligning its slot with the aluminum seat tube slot when ...
- 4,169
4
votes
0
answers
608
views
Mavic Cosmic SLS - carbon separation
Some aero’ wheels are an aluminium rim with a carbon fibre shroud. On a Mavic Cosmic SLS rear wheel, I’ve found that the carbon fibre shroud is separating from the aluminium rim. Just visible in the ...
- 13k
1
vote
5
answers
2k
views
Carbon vs aluminium commuter for 50km per day [closed]
Is it worth it to purchase a carbon bike for commuting daily 50km. I'm thinking I would be faster and also be able to train on weekends for my first iron man this year.
I don't have the funds to ...
- 13
1
vote
2
answers
511
views
Aerobar, why would carbon cost more than aluminum?
I think carbon parts are generally more expensive to their aluminum counterparts.
I'm perplexed because aluminum version is cheaper and weighs less too?
What am I missing?
Example:
Profile design ...
- 609
3
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Failure statistics of carbon fiber vs aluminum mountain bikes?
I've read a lot of carbon fiber vs aluminum debates. The anecdotal evidence for one being better than another is not very interesting to me. I'm interested in the statistics.
Does anyone know where I ...
- 33
4
votes
2
answers
28k
views
Aluminum forks vs. carbon forks (with aluminum frames) what are the trade offs? [duplicate]
The all-aluminum frame bike will be cheaper. The aluminum fork should be more robust and less prone to breakage. The carbon fork will be more shock absorbing and comfortable. That's kind of how I ...
- 257
0
votes
0
answers
233
views
Carbon fork crack?
I have aluminum bike with carbon fork, this is in the front of the carbon fork, it is in both sides of it?
It's a carbon crack or paint crack?
8
votes
1
answer
6k
views
carbon vs aluminium frame vibration absorption? bumpiness?
is there any data/measurements of any aluminium road bikes vs carbon road bikes wrt to vibration. it is widely stated that carbon is a smoother ride, but the best i can find out on the subject is ...
- 231
13
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Why would a bike feature a "carbon wrapped aluminum frame"?
I saw a link to what appeared to be a Carbon bike on amazon. The price was extremely lower than any carbon bike I had ever seen. After reading a bit, it seems that the bike frame is really made of "...
- 22k
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How to remove alu seat post from carbon frame?
My aluminium seat post is seized into my carbon frame. To make matters worse the seat post is snapped at the seat post collar - nasty crash.
Anyone have a way to get it out? Or is it time for the ...
- 429
2
votes
3
answers
299
views
Is it cheaper to mass produce a carbon frame than an aluminium frame?
I've heard this comment but I have not found any information about it. Is it true?
- 1,529
4
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How do different frame materials affect the handling of a bike?
I can appreciate that some materials are lighter than others and some have more flex than others, but overall, how do different frame materials affect handling of the bike?
Assuming the same geometry ...
- 1,831
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Specialized Allez - Upgrade to Carbon Seatpost for Long Distance Comfort?
A bit of background: I've been riding a stock 2012 Specialized Allez since I bought it (in 2012). I am a larger guy (105 kg), and tend to go for rides in the 50-100+ km range.
No matter what I wear ...
- 555
3
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Tight Seatpost Installation
I'm having a bit of a problem installing my seatpost.
I have a 31.6mm carbon-wrapped aluminum seatpost which fit perfectly fine in my previous aluminum frame. Unfortunately, that frame cracked, ...
- 33
-2
votes
1
answer
633
views
Aluminum alloy or carbon fibre handlebar? [closed]
Should I buy a carbon fibre handebar or an aluminium alloy one for a mountain bike? I would prefer the stiffest, as I do tricks but I don't really know which one is the stiffest. I seen both aluminum ...
- 97
0
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Carbon Fiber vs. Aluminum [duplicate]
I am a new cyclist who is on my 2nd year of biking. I bought a cheapo Schwinn MTB at Walmart to start with but now I want a real road bike. I currently have $2k saved up and am looking into a ...
- 53
-1
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is my old bike safe?
The old bike is a Cannondale R-600 purchased in 1999.
Original key components. Frame, fork. (Aluminum frame, carbon fork)
Ridden for several thousand miles.
Well maintained. (Various parts have ...
- 117
2
votes
1
answer
836
views
Carbon-wrapped Aluminum seatpost?
I have the seatpost shown in the pictures below. It came on a 2010 Specialized Tricross. It looks like Carbon fibre on the outside, but when you look at the open end of the tubing, it actually looks ...
- 4,339
0
votes
2
answers
998
views
What are the advantages of having a aluminium frame? [duplicate]
are there any advantages that an aluminium body brings to the tables over carbon frames?
- 103
6
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Repairing Carbon / Aluminum frame
My road bike is aluminum with a carbon rear triangle. The carbon rear slides into the aluminum, and I believe was bonded with some sort of epoxy. The pieces have begun to separate after 2.5 years ...
- 263
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
painting an aluminum/carbon frame
I have a frame I would like to get repainted. It is a composite of aluminum and carbon fiber (Al main triangle, carbon fiber seat/chain stays). The carbon fiber is unpainted (maybe a clear coat) and I'...
- 1,070
1
vote
2
answers
822
views
Does "Carbon & Aluminium" really mean cheap plastic coated aluminium?
I'm looking to replace the suspension fork on my MTB (which has blown a seal) with a rigid fork now that I'm exclusively commuting in the city. During my research I came across the
MOSSO 26" MTB ...
- 119