Originally Posted by Ziggurat

I've never even ridden carbon. Can somebody describe it. I hear things which sound mutually exclusive like "light and strong" "super stiff, yet comfortable" "great power transfer and dampens vibrations".

Are these characteristics of carbon fiber itself, or is it the layup of the fibers (direction-wise) that creates these seemingly opposite characteristics.

I have a carbon fork but I have nothing to compare it to because my previous bikes are mtb, and have a "plusher" ride (even though rigid).

My bike is 853 steel, but I don't think I appreciate it enough because it's my first road rig. It sounds like a lot of guys cut their teeth on 80's-90's harsh aluminum and therefore notice the transition to steel better.