Road Cycling - Carbon Fiber....opinions?

I'm in search of a road bike and would like information on carbon fiber frames. I spoke with an LBS who said they are a really comfortable ride. This particular LBS carries Kestral and Aegis.

Any experience/thoughts on carbon fiber?

I have seen many Kestrel frames come by me. I have seen cracks near the seat tube, cracks on downtube bosses, cracks on H2O bottle cage mounts. I have not seen this with Aegis. Carbon Fibre works well as a road application makes weird sounds but hey it is not metal its cloth. Interesting feel.

I've been riding an Aegis for about 6 years. Very comfortable. Absorbs much of the rad vibration. Carries me and my panniers on my long interesting journeys. Have never had a frame problem with it.
I have a friend who bought a Kestrel the same time I bought my Aegis. His has been back to the MFG 3 times for repairs of cracks. But he too will tell you carbon fibre makes a great bike material. Buy the frame that will best accomodate the kind of riding you do! And make sure it is the right size for you!

Why those two brands. Kestel is a company who hasn't done anythong with bike frames for years. They went from an industry leader years ago to a comapny no one even pays attention to now. Aegis is a small company who recently underwent a change in ownership. They make some nice frames but is a small company.

Why not broaden your search and consider some of the larger companies like Trek, Specialized, Cervelo, etc.?

Why are you responding to an 8 year old post?

Oh...and Aegis is out of business now.

Why are you responding to an 8 year old post?

Oh...and Aegis is out of business now.

I don't know. It showed up as a recent thread when I did a view of new posts.

Attack of the zombie thread
:twitchy:

Interesting read. Everyone was nice back then, and not one post about exploding carbon fiber!

FWIW, Aegis is no longer.

Here's a quote from the "new owner" as posted on cyclingforum.com, with the bottom line that there is not going to be a manufacturers warranty with this frame.

"Aegis™ is no longer making bicycle frames, but the company has not changed hands. Instead, Argus is a new company with a new owner, Bob Bouchard, who has hired all of the employees of Aegis™ to keep them employed doing what they love, making beautiful hand made carbon fiber frames. If you enjoyed frames made by these individuals in the past, then you will love the Argus line of frames. Our team at Argus is proud to be continuing their personal traditions of being the original carbon fiber makers in the U.S.<<

SB

FWIW, Aegis is no longer.

Here's a quote from the "new owner" as posted on cyclingforum.com, with the bottom line that there is not going to be a manufacturers warranty with this frame.

"Aegis™ is no longer making bicycle frames, but the company has not changed hands. Instead, Argus is a new company with a new owner, Bob Bouchard, who has hired all of the employees of Aegis™ to keep them employed doing what they love, making beautiful hand made carbon fiber frames. If you enjoyed frames made by these individuals in the past, then you will love the Argus line of frames. Our team at Argus is proud to be continuing their personal traditions of being the original carbon fiber makers in the U.S.<<

SB


AHHHHHHHHHH ! caught by a NecroPost ! ! ! silly me.

Interesting that this post came back to life. I was at a LBS yesterday looking for a bike for my wife, and mentioned I'm looking to replace my aluminum Cannondale. Originally, I was looking at Specialized, Cervelo, Trek, but mainly decided to go with Trek due to the budget. Being a small country show, you can always find some cool oddball stuff. They showed me a NOS 2002 Aegis Aro Svetle. At first, I was intrigued by the frame, but a little turned off by what seemed to be heavier weight and the age. When I looked into the old company, and read about their frames, I'm much more interested. It's built with Campy, but I don't remember the level or year of the components. I believe it is probably on par with Ultegea. Like I said, I was a little turned off in the beginning, but I think I am much more interested now.

I'm looking for something a little more comfortable for long rides, yet sporty enough to get a competative again, but also something durable that will last some time. At 6', around 200 lbs, I also need some thing built well. I mainly do century charity rides, and ride for fun/fitness, but I am looking into starting to do some local ultra endurance events. I'd eventually like to get into some local racing, but not sure if that will happen. I realistically narrowed it down to either a 2008/2009 4 series Madone in the $2000's range, or the Aegis, which they said would be $1500.

Anyone have any thoughts on Aegis frames, especially with the company no long operating/warrenteeing the frames?

I have one, A specialized, i love it so far. I have heard that some people prefer aluminum to CF because it flexes more under pressure, not to sure tho.

Good luck.

hieloazul: Call the FBI immediately, there is going to be a large-scale terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers on 9/11/01! Also, don't fall for the adjustable rate home mortgage loans, you won't be able to afford it in the end!

I had a Motobecane Le Champion CF. Yes, its very comfy and compliant...but also DISPOSABLE, if you ever wreck. If you cannot AFFORD to replace it...then go with something more proven and durable, like good old Aluminum.

After I rode the Cannondale CAAD 9- I found it to be a SLINGSHOT, compared to the plush yet unlively Motobecane. I have since eBayed the Moto for good money. As many BFers will tell you- the CAAD 9 is HIGH-END aluminum and better than most low-end CF frames. What's Cannondale's secret? It's the variable-thickness, proprietary tubing, thin, sinewy seatstays and the solidly smooth welds Cannondale is known for.

Carbon is nice...but not nearly what its hyped out to be.