The Carbon Question?

Question

I understand the benefits of carbon components, frames, etc. But is there a difference in the quality of the carbon used in a high-end manufacturers vs. that of a mid/lower level manufacturer?

Also, how durable over time is carbon vs. aluminum vs. titanium (and, yup I know “diamonds are forever).

Just curious.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

At the lower end there are full carbon bikes that are made by gluing carbon rods into carbon fitting.

Monocoque frames are made one piece there are no joins. They build the frame by building up layers of threads around a former (similar to what you see on a cotton real). The threads are usually rapped around inserts for things like the bottom bracket and the headset. (Trek Madonne is a common example)

There are different grades and sizes of carbon threads. Some frames use many different threads in several layers to achieve different characteristics. There are also a heap of different resins and treatments.

Frame choice is really a personal choice. For me I lust after titanium. This is a material that performs very well and last and lasts. I'm probably too tight to ever buy myself one tough. There are a few titanium bikes that have worn my drool.

High-end carbon is also a good choice for performance and will last for quite a long time if looked after. They certainly make a good choice for a race day bike. After a few years of serious riding it will not be quite the same though, not as stiff and a bit more prone to fatigue. A lot of people buy a high-end carbon bike and only ride socially never competing. Personally I think this is a waste, but they are socially acceptable at snobby coffee shops everywhere.

Then there are the good old aluminium and steel bikes. They are the cheapest and most common. When all is said and done the extra weight is not that big a handicap. Both will give many, many years of reliable service.

Aluminium frames are generally a bit lighter than the steel so they will perform better. They are a good choice for training and general light riding. Steel is the choice for heavy work and large loads. (Touring etc).

Answer 2

There are different kind of carbon. I don't really understand the materials, but some will tend to break and other hold up better, some might be lighter.

In regard of duration, as far as I understand it, is that carbon might last a long time, and it's a very strong material. With recent technology I think the following is not a big issue, but I still fear carbon because, if it hits something (like, say, a rock) it might brake, and if it's a handlebar or something, it doesn't give any warning. Theoretically, aluminium warns before reaching this point, but I think that any material hit in the right place with the right strenght might break (even titanium).

Answer 3

they all last very long

... you will begin to think your bike's looking too old amongst your mates and get yourself a new one before they actually break down

a lot of the bikes easily live more than 20 years (provided you don't use the bike to jump, do stunts and taking it off road)

the so called high end carbon are made with weight reduction in mind, it is the gauge of the materials they use that are different, the strength is compensated by the profile of the tubing and the tube-to-lug joining technology ... it is the manufacturing process that makes it different, not the raw materials, despite the claims of the manufacturers

Answer 4

The differnt types of carbon comes from the materials they use. For example, Specialized m9 carbon weighs 170grams more than the m10 carbon Stumpjumper Pro frame. Why? Because the m10 is stiffer, stronger, and more advanced, so it doesn't need to have as many weaves as the m9 does, hence the lighter weight for the same performance...

Answer 5

anything will last a long time if you take care of it and don't crash and damage it a lot