Road Cycling - Carbon Rear Triangle Benefits?

I'm just wondering what the benefits of a carbon rear triangle are on an aluminum bike. Is it worth it to get the carbon seat stays and chain stays or are the seat stays enough?

It appears in some of the literature I have been reading that the carbon stays actually add more weight to the bike than if it was all aluminum. Is this true? I thought carbon was supposed to be lighter.

What is the durability of the carbon stays?

The reason I am asking is that I am looking at a new bike for next spring and I need to be educated. I am currently interested in the Marinoni line and they offer the Carbon Carve Wishbone Seat Stays or the Muscle Carbon Full Rear Triangle. Of course I will be test riding both before I buy either but I thought it would be good to know what I will be looking for in ride quality and durability.

Thanks

Mike

Speaking very generally, here's what I know:

One of the reasons for including carbon in an aluminum frame is to take some of the edge off of what is usually a stiff riding frame material without sacrificing stiffness. Kind of gives you the best of both worlds, with a lively metal under you but the road dampening properties of carbon. That is, if you believe the hype.

My advice: Looking at a high end bike, don't let weight be much of a factor. Go for ride quality and you'll enjoy your bike a lot more. That said, there are all aluminum frames that are lighter than the carbon/alu. models out now. You have to bond the carbon onto the aluminum, and that joint can add a little weight. As for weight of carbon vs. aluminum, it totally depends on the bike maker. And, as I said, don't let that be your deciding factor.

I can't comment on the ride quality of the alu/carbon frames, as I haven't spent much time on them. I have had aluminum bikes and carbon bikes, and I like the more lively feel of aluminum, personally. Especially now that a higher level of comfort is being built into many aluminum frames without using carbon, I will probably be on aluminum again when I get a new frame in a couple of months or so.

Originally posted by Captain Crunch
I'm just wondering what the benefits of a carbon rear triangle are on an aluminum bike. Is it worth it to get the carbon seat stays and chain stays or are the seat stays enough?

It appears in some of the literature I have been reading that the carbon stays actually add more weight to the bike than if it was all aluminum. Is this true? I thought carbon was supposed to be lighter.

What is the durability of the carbon stays?

The reason I am asking is that I am looking at a new bike for next spring and I need to be educated. I am currently interested in the Marinoni line and they offer the Carbon Carve Wishbone Seat Stays or the Muscle Carbon Full Rear Triangle. Of course I will be test riding both before I buy either but I thought it would be good to know what I will be looking for in ride quality and durability.

Thanks

Mike

Mike... I have a new Ti frame built in Italy and Carbon seat/chain stay and Carbon front fork... I believe this technology is to new to be measured for longivity.

That said, I asked the same questions in a few other discussion groups a few months back before buying, and got all types of negative answers. That group happen to have some owners and managers of small frame mfg companies as contributors. Not one had any technological merit to assist in my buying decisions. Search google. IMO, there are a many frame mfgs that are against carbon seat/stays, due to the investment $ associated with staying in a competitive business. Hense, it's hurting their bottom line to reinvest.

I don't understand the scientific values associated with carbon/Ti/Al. But, the carbon in my bike is used in Formula race car frames and that says a lot to me. We know that the use of carbon in any front fork is to dampen the effects of the road and not loose rigidity. I believe this also can be applied to the back triangle to dampen bumps under my butt. I really like the ride. I think durability has to do with the Mfg's design, QC and tolerances in mfg.

I will enjoy every moment on my new ride and so will my bottom. :D