Carbon & Cross
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Carbon & Cross
I've noticed that most frames are made of aluminum alloys or steel. Why aren't many manufacturers utilizing carbon?
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I think most people who buy cross bikes do so after they already have a road bike, or a mountain bike, or both. They don't want to spend a lot on another bike, and they're worried about crashing and destroying it in their first race.
So, the market out there is for inexpensive cross bikes, or even just inexpensive cross frames that you can put your old road parts on. Aluminum or no-name steel fits that bill much better than carbon.
Does anybody make a carbon cross frame? Colnago, or Empella?
So, the market out there is for inexpensive cross bikes, or even just inexpensive cross frames that you can put your old road parts on. Aluminum or no-name steel fits that bill much better than carbon.
Does anybody make a carbon cross frame? Colnago, or Empella?
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Ridley makes a carbon cross frame called the X-Night, which will run you about $2800 for the frame.
Alan also makes a carbon cross frame. I saw one busted at a cx race a few years back. The rider hit a curb head-on (I was told), and the frame was destroyed near the head tube.
Wrong tool for the job, in my opinion.
Alan also makes a carbon cross frame. I saw one busted at a cx race a few years back. The rider hit a curb head-on (I was told), and the frame was destroyed near the head tube.
Wrong tool for the job, in my opinion.
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Carbon cross frame
Blue Competition makes both an aluminum and a carbon.alum mix. Both have stunning paint schemes and are about $600.00. I have a firend who has been a cross rider for 20 years. he said the Blue bikes are fast for cross w/great geometry.
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I'll second the notion that carbon bikes are the "wrong tool for the job". Furthermore, at the risk of raising the ire of others, I'd propose that those who ride 'cross on full carbon (or even carbon/aluminum) bikes are missing the point of 'cross.
Sure, there seems to be more carbon forks than you can shake a stick at at 'cross races. But I hesitate to ride anything in 'cross (or off-road) that can have it's structural integrity compromised by a scratch or gouge.
Full disclosure: I'm 35 and stuck in a time when the mantra "If you ain't hikin', you ain't mountain bikin'." ruled the ride. Thus I qualify as a stodgy old coot.
Sure, there seems to be more carbon forks than you can shake a stick at at 'cross races. But I hesitate to ride anything in 'cross (or off-road) that can have it's structural integrity compromised by a scratch or gouge.
Full disclosure: I'm 35 and stuck in a time when the mantra "If you ain't hikin', you ain't mountain bikin'." ruled the ride. Thus I qualify as a stodgy old coot.
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Originally Posted by i_r_beej
I'll second the notion that carbon bikes are the "wrong tool for the job". Furthermore, at the risk of raising the ire of others, I'd propose that those who ride 'cross on full carbon (or even carbon/aluminum) bikes are missing the point of 'cross.
Sure, there seems to be more carbon forks than you can shake a stick at at 'cross races. But I hesitate to ride anything in 'cross (or off-road) that can have it's structural integrity compromised by a scratch or gouge.
Full disclosure: I'm 35 and stuck in a time when the mantra "If you ain't hikin', you ain't mountain bikin'." ruled the ride. Thus I qualify as a stodgy old coot.
Sure, there seems to be more carbon forks than you can shake a stick at at 'cross races. But I hesitate to ride anything in 'cross (or off-road) that can have it's structural integrity compromised by a scratch or gouge.
Full disclosure: I'm 35 and stuck in a time when the mantra "If you ain't hikin', you ain't mountain bikin'." ruled the ride. Thus I qualify as a stodgy old coot.
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Originally Posted by same time
Does anybody make a carbon cross frame? Colnago, or Empella?
There are a lot of european pros who would disagree with i r beej's comments.
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Originally Posted by 42x16
There are a lot of european pros who would disagree with i r beej's comments.
Of course, if the good folks at Ridley or Colnago decided that they wanted me to represent their brand as I brave the fierce "B"-race competition in the Minnesota cx series, I take a size 57.
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Originally Posted by 42x16
There are a lot of european pros who would disagree with i r beej's comments.
Oh, and i STILL run around making "vroom" noises. Covers the thumping sounds of my square wheels.