Just curious about fixed and carbon
05-07-11, 12:19 PM
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Just curious about fixed and carbon
I was thinking that as light as you can get a steel framed fixie - why no carbon framed fixies? You could have like a 15 lb or less bike easily it would seem. I'm sure there is a reason - please enlighten.
05-07-11, 12:25 PM
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Because Steel is real...cheap. The target market for most fixed gears generally can't afford high end, low production numbers carbon frames.
05-07-11, 12:25 PM
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Just read some of the threads here... Someone was just talking about their district carbon...
05-07-11, 12:44 PM
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Most cf track frames are designed to be strong, stiff and aerodynamic as opposed to really lightweight like road frames. There is little difference between the weight of light aluminum track frames such as a Concept and most cf frames. I could easily get my Concept down to 14 lbs with the right components.
05-07-11, 12:53 PM
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I think the first reason is that most fixies are converted from older steel frames with longer drop outs. What little extra space exists does allow for chain tension adjustments. Vertical drop outs require the use of an eccentric bottom bracket from White Industries. Horizontal dropouts on CF frames allow no room for chain tension adjustments so it is a little more complicated to setup properly. They are out there, a friend of mine converted his old Trek CF into a fixie with the previously mentioned White Industries ENO. Second, most folks who ride fixie do not do it for lightweight or performance, they do it for the simple elegance and the challenge. There is something exciting about converting an older steel frame from the 70s or 80s because back then everything was handmade!
There are carbon fixed gear frames, but they are exclusive to track racing and not really built for being on the street. You can do it, of course, but they are not cheap.
There are carbon fixed gear frames, but they are exclusive to track racing and not really built for being on the street. You can do it, of course, but they are not cheap.
05-07-11, 12:55 PM
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The Felt Footprint is out there if you want a carbon FG frame. I would get one if I was looking for a new frame. It's possible to get steel frames bikes pretty light though. I'm getting a Sputnik down to about 14.5 lbs.
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