boomerfish

I'm a newbie to Triathlons, and I'm considering a carbon fiber Cervelo. I heard stories of frames breaking near the head tube. Has anyone heard of this? Any thoughts on a manufacterer who takes 240lbers into consideration? Materials? Aluminum better for heavier riders? Any thoughts would be great

mtnbk3000

carbon fiber is a lot stronger than some people make it out to be. the problem with carbon fiber is that if it is damaged it will completely fail, whereas aluminum will be rideable till you get home, and steel can be fixed without loosing stength. I don't know about the weight issue, but unless you fall or run into something you shouldn;t have a problem. (i have never ridden carbon fiber, but i have done enough research to feel confident in my answer, but like i said i have no idea if your weigh is gonna be a problem).

boomerfish

I've heard that some manufacturers use the same size tubing for all bikes regardless of overall size. Obviously, with a 60+cm frame, this would be especially prone to additional stresses if it weren't compensated for. I suppose that's part of the question.

Halthane

In direct answer because of the ride tuning and focus on carbon layup that cervelo is known for I'm sure their tubes change with the size, they may be the same outside but are probably butted differently inside.

From what I have done in looking into Cervelo bikes (i thought long and hard about buying a soloist) they are noted for their excellence of design particularly in terms of strength and durability. In addition Tri/TT bikes tend to be a built heavier and stronger than equivalent road frames as in a tt bike efficiency of power transfer is generally more important than having the lightest weight. I test road a P2c at a higher weight with a salesman who knew his stuff and he didn't expect it to be a problem. As a marketing claim cervelo refers to the fact that fabian cancellara was the heaviest rider in the pro-tour on the r3-sl which was the lightest frame, so I imagine that has to count for something as well.

D0ugB

From Wikipedia
Fabian Cancellera weighs 176 lbs !!!!! He's no clyde not even close.

Magnus Backstedt is the biggest protour rider I know of 207 lbs (per wikipedia)

please don't use pro tour riders to justify a frames ability to withstand punishment in a clydesdale forum.

back to previous the previous thread

goldfishin

get a custom steel frame.

v1k1ng1001

I'd be careful. Some of those Cervelo frames look mighty skimpy for a guy your size. You can probably get buy with a carbon fiber frame that has a bit more beef to it.

You should definitely buy something with a lifetime warranty.

rickyaustin

Every Cervélo frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner. For full details on this warranty, please click here. Please note that frames not purchased from an authorized dealer are not covered by any warranty. For a list of authorized dealers, please check our dealer locator below.


https://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=P2C2007#W

boomerfish

Thanks for the input - I've been doing some more research, and at 6'5", the field is pretty narrow. I've been hearing great things about Kuota - beefier frame, slightly "easier" geometry, and the price point on their K-factor is great (2100).

D0ugB

There are a couple of companies that can make a custom carbon if you're heart is set on one. Guru had a special this spring for $4000 complete bike custom time trial frame