I'm afraid to race my new carbon frame in a crit.
11-25-09, 04:31 PM
#2
Carpe Diem
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that sucks.
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11-25-09, 04:40 PM
#3
VeloSIRraptor
ouch...
however, very few people (As a percentage of those who race) get in and out without trashing their frame- but you must be willing to drive it or you will be endangering everyone else on course.
I've been in spots where I couldn't afford to replace my cheap, disposable alum frame, so I know how you feel. (heck, I couldn't afford to get my wheels trued after a wreck) - that said - frames that are 100% raceable can be had for 300 and less, so I'd say "go race!"
All things considered, you have low odds of needing to replace it.
however, very few people (As a percentage of those who race) get in and out without trashing their frame- but you must be willing to drive it or you will be endangering everyone else on course.
I've been in spots where I couldn't afford to replace my cheap, disposable alum frame, so I know how you feel. (heck, I couldn't afford to get my wheels trued after a wreck) - that said - frames that are 100% raceable can be had for 300 and less, so I'd say "go race!"
All things considered, you have low odds of needing to replace it.
11-25-09, 05:13 PM
#7
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There are about just as many crashes in road races as there are in crits. Are you going to race on the road with it?
11-25-09, 05:36 PM
#11
aka mattio
i'd rather crash-damage a carbon frame than an aluminum. carbon can be repaired. calfee and road runner velo both do carbon repairs for significantly less than the price of a new frame. so... be less scared?
11-25-09, 06:47 PM
#14
bf is my facebook.
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A. Why did you buy a new carbon frame if you knew you wanted to race?
B. Sell it & buy a used alum frame & some better wheels.
C. What's the problem?
B. Sell it & buy a used alum frame & some better wheels.
C. What's the problem?
11-25-09, 06:53 PM
#15
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11-25-09, 07:28 PM
#17
175mm crank of love
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You'll need to get something you are comfortable throwing away or you'll end up riding around at elevated speeds trying to avoid crashing/crashes and that's not racing
11-25-09, 08:10 PM
#19
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I sold a frame once for exactly that reason. It was a beautiful frame and much to pretty to waste in a crash. I always preferred to race on replaceable frames when I was a cat 4 then 3 senior. It got much better in the masters and I never worried about racing my Ti frames.
Replace the frame with one that is more expendable and save your nice one. Save up your money and buy parts for it as great deals come along and you have the cash. It becomes a project bike that you don't have to worry about hurrying to build and when it's done you have two nice bikes. One for racing and one for your "feel great" rides. If you use the same basic drivetrain the wheels can be used on both saving more money.
Replace the frame with one that is more expendable and save your nice one. Save up your money and buy parts for it as great deals come along and you have the cash. It becomes a project bike that you don't have to worry about hurrying to build and when it's done you have two nice bikes. One for racing and one for your "feel great" rides. If you use the same basic drivetrain the wheels can be used on both saving more money.
11-25-09, 08:59 PM
#20
Senior Member
https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...-crashing.html
When you're fluent in the field, you won't be afraid of crashing.
And don't worry too much about equipment. Trust me, you want to wreck your frame if it means saving something on yourself. I'd gladly trade the $7k + broken pelvis + messed up shoulder + 6 weeks of life in exchange for a mere frameset.
As it ended up my bike was fine, my body wasn't.
cdr
When you're fluent in the field, you won't be afraid of crashing.
And don't worry too much about equipment. Trust me, you want to wreck your frame if it means saving something on yourself. I'd gladly trade the $7k + broken pelvis + messed up shoulder + 6 weeks of life in exchange for a mere frameset.
As it ended up my bike was fine, my body wasn't.
cdr
11-25-09, 09:45 PM
#21
VeloSIRraptor
@cdr - of all the articles on your blog, I do believe I point people to that one the most often. Excellent, excellent writing.
11-25-09, 10:51 PM
#23
Making a kilometer blurry
FWIW, after a quality issue with my current carbon frame, I've decided I'm not interested in maintaining a bike with an expensive frame. I'll be going budget on the race frame (aluminum completely replaceable for less than a carbon repair).
That said, I also haven't crashed in a race since 1995 (no bike damage then), and that includes racing and winning in rainy road races and crits since then... and I still don't want the risk.
That said, I also haven't crashed in a race since 1995 (no bike damage then), and that includes racing and winning in rainy road races and crits since then... and I still don't want the risk.
11-25-09, 10:59 PM
#24
Over the hill
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Not to sound mean, but I'm afraid to race next to anyone who is afraid to race his bike.
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11-25-09, 11:05 PM
#25
VeloSIRraptor