Feedback on a custom build - Easton Carbon Rear Triangle

[cpoole]

I got a note from my frame builder regarding a custom steel road bike he's building for me sometime this fall. Through a series of circumstances, he now has an Easton carbon fiber seat/chain stay set that he could throw in for free if I want it. I'm trying to decide what i should do. It sounds nice, but I
don't know anything about these things. Any feedback?

Easton rear triangle:
http://www.eastonbike.com/PRODUCTS/TUBESETS/tubesets_ec90_stays.html

sample bike built with the carbon rear end:
http://www.lugoftheirish.com/Shamrock_Cycles-_Hand_Built_Frames_from_the_Mountains_of_Indiana/See_the_frames/Pages/Fluid_Druid-_Road.html#0
http://www.elitebicycles.com/images/gallery/1239128473.jpg

Here's kind a reference point for what I was originally picturing in my head:
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=59294
http://www.rapha.cc/images/bikes_bike_1.jpg
http://www.rapha.cc/content/uploads/Hunter_Profile.jpg

Specs I know right now
- Black steel frame w/ white decals (probably True Temper s3)
- Edge 2.0 carbon fork
- '10 SRAM Force grouppo
- Easton EA90 SLX wheels

[Smiley]

Nope , none of that for this steel tradionalist, go with steel stays and be happy :)

[malcolm]

I've not heard anything bad about easton carbon, but why? I think all steel would look better and honestly I've had Ti with carbon rears and I couldn't tell the difference although many swear by them.

My two cents would be all steel and paint.

[Marcusaurelius]

Well I wouldn't go near a carbon rear triangle on a steel (or titanium) frame. I would stick with steel.

[labratmatt]

Carbon rear ends are almost as stupid as integrated seat posts. Don't do it.

[jumpjube]

for different folks --

While I ride many "straight" steel frames (including Peg & a CSi), I very much enjoy, as well, my Less Than Zero Landshark with an Easton rear triangle and an SLX fork.

The Shark is a wonderful ride (as are the Duende and the CSi). FWIW, I do not like all-carbon fibre frames.

It will most likely depend on your builder.

[false_Aest]

Carbon rear ends are as stupid as people who rock blanket statements about things like integrated seat masts on public forums.

Some cat said, different strokes. Seems to be like the most accurate statement.

Maybe the best bet is to find 2 bikes that are basically the same except for the rear end and ride em.

I personally prefer a little bit of junk in the trunk.

[palincss]

Nope , none of that for this steel tradionalist, go with steel stays and be happy :)

+1

There's absolutely nothing wrong with steel stays, no problem here for carbon to solve.

[97CSI]

+1

There's absolutely nothing wrong with steel stays, no problem here for carbon to solve.+1

[Lifelover]

While they do offer steel or Ti options, Serotta seems to favor CF stays. Leads me to believe it is not all hype.

That said, I would go with you original intent of all steel.

[John M]

I am pretty sure the carbon rear end would provide a nice ride, but based on what you showed as your inspirations, steel is what you probably want.

Full black with white decals seems to call for the simplicity and classic look of all steel.

[maunahaole]

You are talking about a custom made out of S#, which by all reports is a really nice tubeset. Why mess around with a carbon rear?

[thinpin]

I'd consider it for an aluminum frame, but cannot see a reason to put them on steel other than you can.

[Peter P.]

Since the carbon rear end would cause you to deviate from your original desire to emulate that Rapha/Ira Ryan bike, I wouldn't make the switch. I think you'll always regret that you didn't stick with the original plan. That carbon rear end is like the devil whispering in your ear. Carbon has its place, but not this fall, in your frame.

[cpoole]

Great points. I think I'll stick with the full steel purely for aesthetics

[oldguy00]

Yeah, go with whichever one you think looks better. Cause that's the real difference. Even the big guns (ie. Pinarello, etc.) stated years ago that the carbon rear ends they were putting on their aluminum bikes were purely for looks, because the market demanded it.

[rustychisel]

I like the carbon wishbone on my (otherwise) Scandium frame, but for a steel build I'd keep it all steel. My 2c

[soulspinner]

I'd consider it for an aluminum frame, but cannot see a reason to put them on steel other than you can.

+100