Originally Posted by
mrwichser
Thanks for all the quick responses.
When I was at a LBS the owner showed me one carbon bike and one Al bike and demonstrated how you could squeeze the back of the bike (not sure the correct term) with your hands on the AL but not on the carbon. He told me because of the "give" of the AL the ride would be softer. Is that correct?
I think some of us would say just the opposite, but it really does depend on the frame and manufacturer you are referring to. Cannondale aluminum frames are considered by many to be notoriously stiff. Some carbon frames seem to absorb the bumps and road vibration better. You will find there are very few "absolutes" when discussing bicycles on this forum!
