Originally Posted by
mtseymour
The Beyond is certainly a very fine option. However, Santana will be more credible if it spends more time explaining its technology than criticizing the competition.
As for the Beyond's Exogrid/Isogrid technology, I wonder if time has passed it by. If you look at Vyatek's website, it appears that most of its "Strategic Partners" are either defunct or has dropped the Exogrid/Isogrid technology. Titus Cycles is out of business, and Wilson has dropped the Vyatek technology with its recent tennis rackets.
CF frames that don't use a metal matrix/grid can be built for any ride characteristic and shape. Examples are high-end models like Pinarello Dogma, Colgnago C60, Specialized Tarmac, Trek Madone, Cannondale Supersix, Cervelo R5, Calfee Dragonfly, and Landshark tandem. Other frame-builders would license or copy the Vyatek design if it provided superior ride characteristics.
I don't think I was criticizing. I was stating that they are comparable frames. If someone favorably compared the new Bianchi to the Tarmac and said it was supposed to damp vibration better are they criticizing the Tarmac?
The Viatec stuff is because Santana bought the patents, equipement to make tubing, and all the rights. We make tubing for two high end custom single bike companies but not all those other former "partners".
Your list of carbon bikes is a mix of monocoques and lugged. Your statement about carbon optimization refers to monocoque (unlesss you just meant to the extent of speccing custom butted tubes). I don't doubt that a monocoque tandem would be sweet but no one makes it. There's a guy who has a one-off based on the Cervelo Rca. I saw it and its awesome. The frame would cost at least 20 grand.