Originally Posted by
Drew Eckhardt
carbon fiber reinforced plastic bikes
It may be splitting hairs, but I think a more accurate characterization of the material and construction method would be to call it "plastic reinforced carbon fiber", not the other way around.
Originally Posted by
Drew Eckhardt
a [carbon] tubed frame would be both expensive and have finish durability issues.
This makes no sense; why would the construction method have any bearing on finish durability? i.e., why would the finish on a tubed frame (Crumpton, Parlee, Calfee, etc.) be any less durable than that of a molded monocoque (Pinarello, Orbea, Specialized, etc.) ?
Originally Posted by
Drew Eckhardt
Painted steel/aluminum will look like crap within 7 years.
I've got a painted steel bike that's 25 years old and doesn't look like crap. Maybe you're thinking Dog Years?