Originally Posted by
BikeWonder
Nothing to do with my previous threads. It was just a question that came up in my head and I wanted to ask those with more experience. I see a lot of carbon bike users retire their bikes every 2-4 years, mainly to do with just wanting to upgrade and keep up with what's new.
I know with steel bikes there are various types of tubing, so I wonder if the thinner tubes for racing frames are more subject to fatigue (due to sizing and weight specifications for a rider) to a lower cromo frame.
Sorry to infer something that wasn't there!
It's a logical thought process you have about it. And what I see you thinking about is what makes steel great- there's signs that a steel frame is going to give it up- catastrophic failure is outrageously extremely rare.
As you're aware there are different tubesets that comprise different metallurgy and different thicknesses. While I think there are very very special bikes that are made with absolute lightness as a primary consideration-(something like meant to be used for one race and discarded), the great great majority of bikes with most available tubing is designed with a robustness in a direct correlation with thickness and weight and strength.