vinuneuro

I'm looking at a Specialized Tricross Comp that will see a lot of road duty along with gravel. Figured this is the best place to get feedback on carbon. I wanted to get a 2007-2010 model that has a better spec frame, but I've found a great deal on a 2006 model which is identical except this. The 2006 is A1 Aluminum w/ carbon forks. 2007-2010 is E5 Aluminum w/ carbon seat stays (with zertz inserts) + carbon fork. Almost every other component is the same between the two models including carbon seat post with zertz inserts and ultegra/105 set. How different is the ride going to be between the two frames?

Is there any issue with longevity of Aluminum + Carbon in the frame vs all Al? I notice that most manufacturers dropped the Al + Carbon in favor of all Al or Carbon along the way.

Thanks in advance.

canam73

Some carbon stay frames have had issues with cracking of the bonds at the joint between the materials. But the Zertz thing is one of Specialized's signature features so they kept it in longer.

badger1

This may or may not help, but fwiw I made this decision in '10 -- between a Sirrus Elite (A1 frame/cf fork) and Comp (E5 frame w/cf seat stays and fork). Apart from being significantly lighter, the latter had/has a noticeably more pleasant ride feel (less road buzz etc). And yes, I did equalize wheels/tires/pressure when testing them out.
Can't speak to durability -- I was/still am conscious of what canam73 points out, but so far so good (four years of fairly hard use).

Looigi

FWIW: I have a Al Spec Roubaix with CF seat stays and Zertz inserts. It rides a bit harsher than either my Ti or CF bikes. If the CF and Al bonding is done properly, it's very strong. There are many examples of CF forks with Al steerers and CF bikes with Al dropouts bonded in. Both are very high stress areas.

hueyhoolihan

i wouldn't think it would make much of a difference, but if you think it does, no matter what anybody else says, it will probably bug you forever.

gc3

I only read the title of the thread, so my answer is $100.

Jiggle

Zertz are gimmicks. Carbon stays with al main triangle is a gimmick. Your frame material is quite a bit less relevant than seatpost, saddle, and above all, tire size and pressure.

timtak

Bikes with carbon seat stays (and forks) have a few positive reviews, in the press and on these forums.
The Felt 55
https://products.roadbikereview.com/.../felt/f55.html
Jamis Ventural Race
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/review...s-ventura-race
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bi...a-race-review/
https://products.roadbikereview.com/...tura-race.html
Interloc Scandium
Pinarello FP1
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bi...fp-uno-review/
Masi Gran Corsa
By Sesh on these Forums Carbon Seat Stays - much difference
Bianchi Via Nirone
By Dpr on these forrums https://www.bikeforums.net/members/dpr-78506.html



So finding a horizontal top tube aluminium and carbon bike with Ultegra 10sp at 400USD delivered, I bought it. It will arrive soon when I will be able to compare it with my carbon bikes.

It was made by a small Japanese bike shop Roman Cycles in Toyama Prefecture.
I may put a carbon seatpost, and possibly stem/bars on it.

cxwrench

Pretty sure after 8 years the OP has made a decision, but thanks for playing.