Originally Posted by topflightpro

Airplanes also are made of Carbon Fiber, as are Formula 1 race cars, and even some super-high end sports cars, like Ferraris.

That said, most modern new carbon fiber frames are probably more durable than any high end, lightweight aluminum frames currently on the market. That's right, the average new carbon frame is probably more durable than a Caad 10.

To make aluminum lightweight, the tube walls are made very thin, and it is quite easy to dent the aluminum. Now, a dent will not immediately render an aluminum frame unsafe - it will not fail catastrophically, as carbon can - but the aluminum will eventually crack at the dent.

Now, you may be asking, why does everyone suggest racing a Caad 10 over a carbon frame - the answer is cost. Replacing a trashed Caad 10 is generally cheaper than a carbon frame, though unbranded Chinese frames are cutting that cost advantage.