Carbon bike

bob heinatz · #1 08-16-2018, 12:47 PM

Ok I am thinking about buying my first carbon bike. Currently I have a steel Peg and Spectrum Ti road bikes that I really enjoy but would like to try a nice carbon all road bike. Who here has made the switch to carbon and is happy with their decision? What carbon bike did you buy? If you did purchase a carbon bike and didn't like it please tell me what you didn't like. I am open minded and willing to hear from experienced riders who finally went to a carbon bike.

dzxc · #2 08-16-2018, 12:53 PM

I have owned many carbon and non-carbon. Like anything, there's almost no difference as long as the tire pressure and tires are the same, and everything is quiet and put together well. The same way blindfolded (and set up similarly) you couldn't tell a Richard Sachs from a Motobecane, it will be the same among carbon bikes. So it's just more about your aesthetic taste. I like the looks of the Trek Emonda and Scott Addict personally, and love optimizing for weight because it's fun, not because it makes any practical difference.

R3awak3n · #3 08-16-2018, 12:56 PM

I still have a steel bike but have 2 carbon bikes now. I bought a parlee z5 and its just so good, probably one of the best bikes I ever been on. That is what made my decision to go carbon for the next gravel bike and now have an OPEN.

bob heinatz · #4 08-16-2018, 01:04 PM

R3 I have been hearing some good things about carbon lately from steel and ti lovers so I want to carefully check it out before making the final decision. Your experience is very positive coming from a steel bike.

R3awak3n · #5 08-16-2018, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob heinatz

R3 I have been hearing some good things about carbon lately from steel and ti lovers so I want to carefully check it out before making the final decision. Your experience is very positive coming from a steel bike.

I thought I was going to hate it but I just really like it. I definitely want to put more miles on the OPEN but the Parlee is just fantastic. Very comfortable and it wants to go. I think that, if that bike fit 28mm tires, it would be my favorite bike I have ever had. It competes for time with my English which is also excellent but trust me, it would be very hard to pick between those 2.

Maybe a friend or someone local can let you try a carbon bike? Maybe a bike shop? Try one of those new treks or specializeds, I have heard really good things about them

Bentley · #6 08-16-2018, 01:04 PM

I have Carbon, Alloy, and Steel. The Carbon bike is best in fast group rides and days with lots of climbing. I can sense the weight difference on the metal bikes, the alloy less but the steel bike has a great all-day ride quality.

Today, all bikes are good, I think that having all types gives you choices.

If you can afford it, do it.

Ray

rnhood · #7 08-16-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bentley

I have Carbon, Alloy, and Steel. The Carbon bike is best in fast group rides and days with lots of climbing. I can sense the weight difference on the metal bikes, the alloy less but the steel bike has a great all-day ride quality.

Today, all bikes are good, I think that having all types gives you choices.

If you can afford it, do it.

Ray

This is a good short & sweet summary. And yes, all bike depreciate as a rule. But you don't lose near as much as you lose when you sell or trade in your car, as a rule.

rePhil · #8 08-16-2018, 01:18 PM

Carbon, specifically Look 585's convinced me to sell my custom steel (Strong) and Ti (Moots) and not look back
The 585 fits me as good as anything I have owned, and the ride is excellent.

I wasn't looking for another bike when a like new Fuji Altamira landed on my doorstep. It built into a nice bike, the lightest and stiffest bike I have ridden. If I were forced to only have one I would be happy with either. But if I could choose I would pick the 585 every time.

In my opinion the price of new bikes is crazy. I bought all of mine used after doing my research, asking plenty of questions, and looking at a lot of photos.
There are some good deals to be had if you are patient or do a WTB.

Good luck, have fun.

bob heinatz · #9 08-16-2018, 01:20 PM

Thanks keep them coming.

donevwil · #10 08-16-2018, 01:24 PM

This is a tough thread to follow for those of us who don't fit anything stock and, thus, will likely never have the opportunity to try a CF bike or be able to afford a custom.

StanleySteamer · #11 08-16-2018, 01:37 PM

Sarto. Research the company and you will be impressed. For example, pez cycling has several reviews. You can get good deals on ebay.

skiezo · #12 08-19-2018, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanleySteamer

Sarto. Research the company and you will be impressed. For example, pez cycling has several reviews. You can get good deals on ebay.

This is the way that I went. I had one custom ordered to my specs and I have a Sarto Classica frame that will be built up over the winter.
There are a few CF bike I would own and they would be Sarto and Parlee.
I have ridden quite a few CF bikes and these two brands are worth owning.
I rode a Satro Classica a few years ago over a few months and have always longed for one and bought one here.
I do have a Ti Desalvo that is my longer ride bike as it soaks up alot of the rode buzz. My custom Sarto was also built with a more relaxed geo and I have done a few century rides on. The ride of a good CF bike is heads and shoulder above alot of the stock ones.

zennmotion · #13 08-16-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donevwil

This is a tough thread to follow for those of us who don't fit anything stock and, thus, will likely never have the opportunity to try a CF bike or be able to afford a custom.

Hampsten's prices for custom carbon models are on a par with comparable factory bikes. One would have the same challenge of finding something to try out no matter the material anyway, right? Steve would make sure it fit right!

bob heinatz · #14 08-16-2018, 02:15 PM

Used prices for any frame material drops like crazy. Just follow some of the ads here.

Volksbike · #15 08-16-2018, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob heinatz

Used prices for any frame material drops like crazy. Just follow some of the ads here.

Used Carbon Look 595 Ultra is how I plan to get into my first carbon bike...would be nice reduce some weight to a noticeable difference!

Prices are more reasonable for used. I have enjoyed steel and aluminum frames for many years and as a tall rider carbon is not always an option on some frames. Glad to see others have gone this route with success.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk