Show me your oldest carbon road bike

[ravdg316]

Curious about some of you who’ve gotten some longevity out of your carbon frames. Pics and stories please! I’d share myself but ... I’ve never owned carbon and have an irrational fear of it.

[tuscanyswe]

Since i sold my parlee a week ago this is the only one i have left.

Its old real old like 25 years old almost. But it looks like new..
Dont think i will keep it around either even tho i love the way it looks. If i had a garage different story theres only so much space in a small flat for bikes i dont ride regularly.

The parlee was not new either but showed no signs of ageing. Not even visually after 8 years or something.
I usually prefer metal frame but not because of concerns of safety for ageing carbon (atleast not if properly cared for by previous owners).

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47079949954_1d2153676f_h.jpg

[mtechnica]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47959284446_87b79620fc_b.jpg

Here you go, it’s ~ 20 years old and I ride it 3-5 days a week.

[Tickdoc]

bring on the c40's!

no carbons here any more.

[veggieburger]

no carbons here any more.

After my Cervelo BB cracked and popped out after 400 miles, none for me either! :mad:

[EDS]

One of my teammates has put over 100,000 miles on a carbon specialized roubaix. I think it is an '06 model so not that old, but a testament to the enduring nature of carbon framed road bikes.

[FlashUNC]

1999 Trek 5200 OCLV. I bought it new, raced it for a couple years in college. Then rode is consistenly for the next decade. Sold it to a pal who is now still riding is regularly out on the road.

It ain't the material, but the person or company building it that matters.

[old_fat_and_slow]

Since i sold my parlee a week ago this is the only one i have left.

Its old real old like 25 years old almost. But it looks like new..
Dont think i will keep it around either even tho i love the way it looks. If i had a garage different story theres only so much space in a small flat for bikes i dont ride regularly.

Snippage....

Crikey! that KG196 is so retro it is effing cool! Sweet ride. (I'd ditch the time trial/tri-geek bars though.) Thanks for posting.

[oliver1850]

1992 Trek 5500 that I bought about 10 years ago. Had quite a few miles by the original owner but I haven't ridden it much. This is how I bought it, has different build now. Local ex-pro and Trek dealer really likes these frames but says he has cracked more than one of them. Another friend had tens of thousands of miles on a 5200. STI died while on a trip in TN so he traded it in (on a Biachi 928) as he didn't have room for another bike.

[ultraman6970]

THere;s more than one KG lemond hinault era in the forums. same with some giant and trek ones.... same with a couple of vitus carbones....

Just wait and they will start showing up.

[GonaSovereign]

Well-made carbon bikes will last longer than any of us.

This thing has 10 years of solid riding and racing in it. Got new paint a couple years ago. It's a race bike, pretty light, takes 28s, and rides beautifully like a race bike should. The thing did 90 miles of road and gravel on Sunday.

I'm delighted no one bought it when I put it up for sale.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1821/29304379918_209aea8bc1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LDwBcC)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/LDwBcC)

[cgolvin]

bring on the c40's!

Ask and ye shall receive. I bought this 2001 C40 used for my brother some years ago, he swapped it to me for a Pinarello because it was too big. Turns out it's too big for me (kinda obvious given the setup) so it's on the market (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=223232). Still, I pull it off the trainer and take it out for a spin occasionally because even with a borderline fit it still is a fine ride.
https://live.staticflickr.com/1733/42396999851_626d118456_b.jpg

[Seramount]

here's my 1992 Allez Epic...full DA 8 STI.

this bike has been the most bullet-proof ride, other than tires, chains, a few cables, and bar tape have had no maint issues.

after 60K miles, it's now my rollers ride and infrequent back-up bike when the Ti Paramount is down for whatever reason.

[Lanternrouge]

here's my 1992 Allez Epic...full DA 8 STI.

this bike has been the most bullet-proof ride, other than tires, chains, a few cables, and bar tape have had no maint issues.

after 60K miles, it's now my rollers ride and infrequent back-up bike when the Ti Paramount is down for whatever reason.

I think that may actually be a 1991 based on the graphics. In 1992 it was the Epic Pro if built with Dura-Ace. This is also based on my memory of the different graphics of people who got them before me as I was quite jealous. I still have mine, but it's likely not getting rebuilt.

[Spdntrxi]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190606/c630c091b9e41a7db8bfc30d4205efca.jpg

1986 Look KG86 Mavic SSC grouppe..

I did recently get some Mavic SSC blue 28h rims with Record hubs to replace the Mavic SSC 32h grey anodized w/ mavic hubs in the picture.

[AngryScientist]

Well-made carbon bikes will last longer than any of us.

This thing has 10 years of solid riding and racing in it. Got new paint a couple years ago. It's a race bike, pretty light, takes 28s, and rides beautifully like a race bike should. The thing did 90 miles of road and gravel on Sunday.

I'm delighted no one bought it when I put it up for sale.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1821/29304379918_209aea8bc1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LDwBcC)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/LDwBcC)

that's really sweet and the paint looks great!

[Seramount]

I think that may actually be a 1991 based on the graphics. In 1992 it was the Epic Pro if built with Dura-Ace. This is also based on my memory of the different graphics of people who got them before me as I was quite jealous. I still have mine, but it's likely not getting rebuilt.

you're likely correct about it being a '91.

I purchased the bike new in '92 and it was probably old stock.

[Drmojo]

I am hard on carbon frames
I had four: Kestrel ScI
Look 385
Ibis Silk road
Trek Y foil
All in scrap heap now:
Mostly crashed
Some micro cracks
One BB fail
So I ride metal now exclusively
But a chacun a son gout!

(to each his own)
Last failure: struck by truck: frame broke
in 4 places!

[mastaliu]

Since i sold my parlee a week ago this is the only one i have left.

Its old real old like 25 years old almost. But it looks like new..
Dont think i will keep it around either even tho i love the way it looks. If i had a garage different story theres only so much space in a small flat for bikes i dont ride regularly.

The parlee was not new either but showed no signs of ageing. Not even visually after 8 years or something.
I usually prefer metal frame but not because of concerns of safety for ageing carbon (atleast not if properly cared for by previous owners).

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47079949954_1d2153676f_h.jpg

Wow, I love love this LOOK, down to the Avocet O2 saddle. If you ever want to sell, pm me!

I have a not so old LOOK 585.

[Bob Ross]

My oldest carbon road bike is also currently my only carbon road bike:

https://i.postimg.cc/QdsRccWj/my-Synapse21-2-zpscljvyy88.jpg

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2, from 2006. I "retired" it to my parents' garage in Arizona two years ago, so it only gets ridden ~500 miles/year now when I'm there on vacations, but it's still going strong and will almost certainly outlive me.

[texbike]

Ask and ye shall receive. I bought this 2001 C40 used for my brother some years ago, he swapped it to me for a Pinarello because it was too big. Turns out it's too big for me (kinda obvious given the setup) so it's on the market (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=223232). Still, I pull it off the trainer and take it out for a spin occasionally because even with a borderline fit it still is a fine ride.
https://live.staticflickr.com/1733/42396999851_626d118456_b.jpg

I have a C40 from this era (2002-2003) as well. Great condition still and a wonderful riding bike.

here's my 1992 Allez Epic...full DA 8 STI.

this bike has been the most bullet-proof ride, other than tires, chains, a few cables, and bar tape have had no maint issues.

after 60K miles, it's now my rollers ride and infrequent back-up bike when the Ti Paramount is down for whatever reason.

I've seen this bike several times and it still looks good for being almost 30 years old.

Texbike

[jamesdak]

Well mine was made 20 years ago. But the frame was built up for the first time just a couple of months ago.

1999 Trek Y-Foil. The only full carbon framed bike in my collection.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168673020.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169089586.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169184897.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168502171.jpg

[El Chaba]

Mid 80's....

[weisan]

I have a 20-yr-old LOOK KG281 carbon bike that I have saved up specially to loan out to out-of-town visitors that I don't like, keep hoping that it will break apart while they were riding and cause grievous hurt....but it never did, I wonder why....:confused:

http://alicehui.com/serotta/LOOK/look4.jpg

I’ve never owned carbon and have an irrational fear of it.

Honestly, 316 pal, none of our pictures is gonna do you any good. Because like you said, your fear is irrational and nuthin' we say or do is gonna change that.
it has to come from you ...and what did they say?

Haters are always gonna hate?

[572cv]

Well,I didn't see anywhere that one still has to have the bike.... so, I'm putting this up because it was a pretty great frame, even though a little too big for me.

This was the AEGIS Aro Svelte, made in Maine, way the heck up north. I always liked that they did good things with the plasticity of carbon- the curved seat tube for example. The seatpost clamp was the most discreet and tidy arrangement I have ever seen. Nice fade paint job too. For an early (late 90's) example of small maker carbon, these were nice.

[ultraman6970]

This is what im talking about, same that specialized.... no old late 80s kestrels moving around still?

Been after this look for a long time, one day will find one :P amazingly all ive seen is like 56 or 60s or like this one in the picture, never in between :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190606/c630c091b9e41a7db8bfc30d4205efca.jpg

1986 Look KG86 Mavic SSC grouppe..

I did recently get some Mavic SSC blue 28h rims with Record hubs to replace the Mavic SSC 32h grey anodized w/ mavic hubs in the picture.

[pdonk]

I had a trek 2300(?) - the bonded carbon/aluminum version from 1996 to 2016. Sold it to my nephew who is still riding it.

The seat lug broke in 1999/2000 and was given a new one, so the bike is really only 19 years old.

[old_fat_and_slow]

Well mine was made 20 years ago. But the frame was built up for the first time just a couple of months ago.

1999 Trek Y-Foil. The only full carbon framed bike in my collection.



I was very surprised to see a Y-Foil still in existence! Then I read you just built it up for the first time a few months back. I don't know what happened to all these bikes. They were/are super cool when they came out.

Nice build. Thanks for posting.

[82Picchio]

Did someone say a C40?

[ultraman6970]

IS that a 650 c40??????

[Burnette]

Well mine was made 20 years ago. But the frame was built up for the first time just a couple of months ago.

1999 Trek Y-Foil. The only full carbon framed bike in my collection.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168673020.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169089586.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169184897.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168502171.jpg

I have a Trek catalog with that bike, among others, on it. So sweet, I always liked the look of those.

[OtayBW]

Early 90s Kestrel 200 SCi...

[ultraman6970]

I wanted one of those so bad back in the day...!!!

[veggieburger]

IS that a 650 c40??????

I think the wheels just look smaller b/c of no tires.

[quattro]

Mid 80's....

I owned one of these Peugeot Fibre de Carbon frames, purchased new in 1986, three main tubes were carbon fiber, aluminum fork, head tube BB shell and rear triangle, total noodle.
Hit by a car in1993, it made out well, only had to replace the fork. I was pretty lucky as I only had minor injuries.

[Spdntrxi]

This is what im talking about, same that specialized.... no old late 80s kestrels moving around still?

Been after this look for a long time, one day will find one :P amazingly all ive seen is like 56 or 60s or like this one in the picture, never in between :)


this is a 51... yes hard to find. It's the bike I wanted in high school but could not afford (well I wanted Campy C-Record on it) I could have built this one with C-Record but everyone does that... so Mavic it was. Did EroicaCa in 2018 with it.

Funny you mention the late 80's Kestrel... my college Criterium racing bike is a Kestrel SC200.(Circa 1989). Campy Athena.. some brake parts went missing but other wise wouldn't take much to be ridable.

[93KgBike]

Good design does not go out of style. This 1993 Zipp 2001 is for sale on the bay, and I wanna buy it and hang above my head board.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/C1MAAOSw0rdb4zf2/s-l1600.jpg

[tuscanyswe]

Good design does not go out of style. This 1993 Zipp 2001 is for sale on the bay, and I wanna buy it and hang above my head board.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/C1MAAOSw0rdb4zf2/s-l1600.jpg

Got a friend with one of those tho he converted the dropout to fixed. They are cool bikes

[Remko]

Although both are still in process to build into my final dream machine, these two are my favorites. The Cinetica Giotto by Andrea Cinelli (son of Chino) and my Look KG196 pista/track at the most beautiful carbon vintage bikes I own (for now).

[Mzilliox]

Curious about some of you who’ve gotten some longevity out of your carbon frames. Pics and stories please! I’d share myself but ... I’ve never owned carbon and have an irrational fear of it.

I had an irrational fear/bias as well, and some environmental concerns, but curiosity got the better of me.
so i present my oldest carbon frame bike
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47114208694_490c070a6d_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2eMjCP1)Festka rain (https://flic.kr/p/2eMjCP1) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

I'm really really glad i took this chance, as its the finest bike i have ridden. my blue Goodrich still holds the top slot for now, but this Festka is better in a lot of ways. It also feels very robust to me, im not worried about it breaking any time soon.

[Mzilliox]

Well-made carbon bikes will last longer than any of us.

This thing has 10 years of solid riding and racing in it. Got new paint a couple years ago. It's a race bike, pretty light, takes 28s, and rides beautifully like a race bike should. The thing did 90 miles of road and gravel on Sunday.

I'm delighted no one bought it when I put it up for sale.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1821/29304379918_209aea8bc1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LDwBcC)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/LDwBcC)

daaaaang, this was for sale?

[velomateo]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47959284446_87b79620fc_b.jpg

Here you go, it’s ~ 20 years old and I ride it 3-5 days a week.

Don't want this one to go unloved. Awesome build...what a beauty.

[wallymann]

still waiting to build it up, c-record is what i set aside in the part-box for this project.

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes/colnago_carbitubo_alfa-lum/P6060002.JPG

[jamesdak]

Well, here's my new (old) carbon fiber bike. A 1998 Y-66 to go along with my NOS 1999 Y-77. This one is geared for fast, flat riding and moves out so well.

Lots of honest paint wear from over the years but everything is working well on it.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169589074.jpg