Originally Posted by DEKKERFAN
I am considering buying a new bike and I was thinking about getting a carbon frame, a Kestrel to be precise. Though I've seen them at the triathlons I've raced in I don't think I've seen any in bike races. And, I know that no team in last year's Tour rode them either. What is it about these bikes? Are they no good? Are carbon frames no good? I know the Posties ride carbon frames so I guess carbon frames must be good in some ways. I know carbon is supposed to dampen the vibrations of the road, but does it then also take away some of the energy from the pedals to the wheels? Does the carbon start off stiff and then eventually soften up? If so, how long does a carbon frame last? How often do the Posties get new frames? Is there anyone out there that can give me some help on this issue? Thanks in advance.
Carbon is stiff. Really stiff. It also retains it's tensile strength, it does not get a "memory" per se. One of the properties of carbon, is that it does not "soften".
However, carbon, if it breaks means that the frame is toast. I've never seen one just "break" but if you wreck the bike and break it, that's it for the frame. Aluminum is more apt to dent, where carbon does not dent.
To me, carbon feels "dead" in that I cannot tell what it's going to do. I ride an Optimo Cannondale R3000 with Dura Ace 2004, very stiff and light and when I corner the bike I can tell exactly what's going on.
Pros ride what they are given from the team.
Of all the carbon frames I have ridden, I think Look's are the best. Their frame felt better. Their new bike, the new frame replacing the 381i is tremendous. But the frame, alone, is like $2,300. But it's worth it in my opinion.