Originally Posted by
Duragrouch
Carbon vs steel: Carbon is lighter, can be made more aero. *Possibly* better ride, by making the frame torsionally stiff, but softer in longitudinal flex. We know that small-tube steel can be made to ride well, but it can be more noodly in hard climbing and sprints, which matters in racing. My aluminum Cannondale 3.0 crit was notably stiff in torsion (I think best ever until that point) but also rode hard, but that may also have been due to the steep angles and short wheelbase. Some have said newer aluminum 'Dales ride well, but the aluminum has gotten very thin, and decades-durability can be an issue. I think steel has had a resurgence due to to that. Titanium was supposed to be the perfect compromise, midpoint in densite between aluminum and steel, but high fatigue strength, and the relative price of Ti has come down. So from my view:
- I stay away from carbon due to its known fragility in frame hits. But I don't race.
- Not planning to get another aluminum road bike. I have a couple aluminum frame 700c hybrids suitable for touring or townies, which is a good application.
- I like my 4130 steel 20" folder.
- I wouldn't mind a titanium frame if well built and good price. However, if touring in remote areas, heck, even near a city, titanium welding repair might be difficult to find, versus steel or aluminum. Another mark against carbon.
This materials debate is effectively never ending and realistically being settled. Using the same talking points for the past 30+ years is pointless as technology is not static and Carbon has proven to be the dominant material due to its superior performance and reliability.
My question is where would you tour that would require actualization of the myth of field welding of a bicycle as your option to continue. The idea of field welding aluminum bicycle frame in some remote location is not realistic in any form. Steel is more likely possible but in reality much better options exist. Carbon repair is both reliable and accessible and can even be self performed without extensive training and materials.
Regarding titanium frames, Lynskey regularly has sales with numerous frames available for under $1000.