I'm almost sorry I asked a question about carbon fiber!
First I'd like to explain:
I'm not a newbie to cycling! I've been riding since before most of you guys were born.
I'm retired but not rich but can afford to buy what I like within reason.
I've owned really nice bicycles. My last "roadie" was a Mondonico top level frame with all top level Shimano (Dura Ace) components. A $3000 bike. I bought that about 10 years ago. Columbus tube frame, extremely responsive. Also had an Eddy Merckx road race frame outfitted the same way.
Currently I have a Jamis Coda Comp with Carbon fiber bars and seat post.
My wife rides a Trek FX 7.5
Now, since I've kinda established my credentials . . .
My wife's Trek rides better than my Coda Comp. Pure and simple. It's a little faster and a little lighter.
I recently rode a Kestrel SL Road Carbon Fiber bike and couldn't believe the difference between CF and AL. I'm not a racer, just a rec rider who wants the best possible performance.
Before I bought the Jamis I rode a number if Hybrids, Specialized, Cannondale, etc. I didn't ride the Jamis before buying it! Bad on me.
In twenty plus years of riding I've never taken a bad fall.. I don't want to hear anything about I'm not riding hard enough. I know how to ride hard. I ride at my pace.
I've seen aluminum framed bikes totaled in a fairly normal fall so it's not the frame material. I've seen steel framed bikes fall and never saw one broken.
I'm a Tour de France devotee and seen plenty of falls, both aluminum and carbon fiber and generally the rider gets up and carries on.
So . . . I have one question. Does the Trek FX 7.9 CF frame come with a clear coat on it or just the dull finish of carbon fiber?