Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
Come on now, please address my post with specific questions pertaining to each material's 'dirty factor'.
- Do you include water use when determining which is a worse material for the environment? And if not, why not?
- Do you include recyclability when determining which is a worse material for the environment? And if not, why not?
- Do you include typical length of product life when determining which is a worse material for the environment? And if not, why not?
- Do you include overall energy use when determining which is a worse material for the environment? And if not, why not?
Those are all worthy questions, but I do not have the answers to them at this time.
What is becoming obvious from the varios threads about Ca touring bicycles, is that it is a material, whose age is dawning. Carbon fiber bikes are getting better every year, and their environmental properties make them the top choice for those who care about the planet. Except maybe for bamboo.
It is good practise to recycle components and frames, but given the environmental costs of mining and smelting and brazing and welding, we should look to carbon and its derivatives for the future of the bicycle.